Khushbu Sundar has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to director Mani Ratnam for acknowledging her daughter Anandita's contribution to his latest film, "Thug Life." The film, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, was released on Thursday, June 5, 2025, and marks the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam after 38 years since their iconic film "Nayakan" (1987).

Anandita Sundar had worked as an assistant director on "Thug Life" for a short period. However, she had to discontinue her work due to an unfortunate ankle fracture. Despite her brief tenure on the film, Mani Ratnam ensured that Anandita's name was included in the end credits, a gesture that Khushbu deeply appreciated.

Taking to Instagram, Khushbu shared a picture of the film's end credits, highlighting her daughter's name. She wrote, "As a parent, it fills me with immense pride to see my daughter's name in a Mani Ratnam film as his disciple. She assisted for a short time as she couldn't continue due to her ankle fracture. But the knowledge she has gathered and what she has learned from Mani Sir is sure to last a lifetime. The experience was indeed enriching. Thank you, Sir, for your large heart and not missing her name out in the credits."

Anandita responded to her mother's post with a touch of humor, commenting, "Telling the world how clumsy I am." This playful banter between mother and daughter reflects the close bond they share.

Mani Ratnam and Khushbu Sundar have a long-standing friendship, with Khushbu and her husband, director Sundar C, having close ties with the acclaimed filmmaker. Mani Ratnam was among the attendees at Sundar C's 57th birthday celebration earlier this year, showcasing the camaraderie within the Tamil film industry.

"Thug Life" features a stellar cast, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan T.R., Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Nasser, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sanya Malhotra, and Ali Fazal. The film's music is composed by A.R. Rahman, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

The film has received mixed reviews and has stirred controversy in Karnataka due to Kamal Haasan's past remarks about the Kannada language. Despite the challenges, "Thug Life" has generated significant buzz and high ticket sales, especially in Tamil Nadu.

Khushbu Sundar is not only a successful actress and producer but also a prominent politician with the BJP. Her daughter, Avantika, plans to follow in her mother's footsteps and become an actor, while Anandita seems inclined towards filmmaking, potentially following in her father's footsteps.

Mani Ratnam's gesture of including Anandita's name in the credits of "Thug Life" highlights his generosity and respect for aspiring filmmakers. It's a heartwarming story that showcases the importance of mentorship and encouragement in the film industry.