It has been a "roller-coaster of a career", says national award winning actor Dhanush who completed 17 years in the film industry Friday, as he reminisced about his journey starting with the blockbuster debut movie 'Thulluvadho Ilamai.' "Thulluvadho Ilamai released on May 10, 2002, the day that would change my life forever. Has it really been 17 years," Dhanush said in a statement.

The artiste, who has handled a gamut of roles, said he started off as a "clueless young boy" who forayed into stardom. "It feels like yesterday that you (fans) opened your hearts to the clueless young boy who didn't even know if he had it in him to become an actor, let alone a star," he said. Expressing his gratitude to fans and others for reposing faith in him, Dhanush said they had stood by him through "good times and bad, hits and flops, success and failures."