Vijay Sethupathi is a renowned Indian actor, producer and screenwriter known for his work in Tamil cinema.
His versatile acting skills and ability to portray a variety of characters have won him a large number of fans.
With a career spanning over a decade, Sethupathi has become one of the most respected and influential figures in South Indian cinema.
His journey from an ordinary middle-class family to a famous actor is inspiring and fascinating.
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- Full name: Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu
- Nickname: Vijay Sethupathi
- Date of Birth: January 16, 1978
- Age: 46
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: India
- Occupation: Actor, producer, screenwriter
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches
- Parents: Kalimuthu (father), Saraswathi (mother)
- Siblings: Jayashree and three other siblings (one brother and two sisters)
- Spouse: Jessie Sethupathi
- Children: Surya Sethupathi, Shreeja Sethupathi
- Marital status: Married
- Net worth: $15 million
Early life and education
Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu, who is 46 years old as of 2024, was born on 16 January 1978 in Rajapalayam town in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India.
He grew up in an ordinary family. His father Kalimuthu was a civil servant and his mother Saraswathi took care of the household affairs. Vijay has three siblings, including an elder brother and two younger sisters. One of his siblings is Jayashree.
Later, the family moved to Chennai, where Vijay spent most of his growing up years. Sethupathi’s early education was in Chennai, where he attended MGR High School. He was an average student, often more interested in extracurricular activities than academics.
After graduation, he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Dhanraj Baid Jain College in Chennai. Despite his initial lack of interest in academics, he graduated and started working odd jobs to support his family.
During college, Vijay worked several part-time jobs, including as a salesman, cashier, and even a telephone booth operator. These experiences exposed him to different lives and shaped his understanding of human emotions and struggles, which later influenced his acting career.
After graduation, Vijay moved to Dubai to work as an accountant in search of better financial stability. However, he found the job more fulfilling and monotonous. It was during this time that he began to rethink his career choice. Although he had a stable job in Dubai, he wanted to pursue more meaningful and creative work.
In 2003, Vijay returned to India and decided to explore his interest in acting. He joined Koothu-P-Pattarai, a renowned theatre troupe in Chennai, where he honed his acting skills and gained extensive stage experience. This decision marked the beginning of his entry into the entertainment industry.
Personal life
Vijay Sethupathi’s personal life is as vibrant and interesting as his professional life. He is married to Jessie Sethupathi and their love story is simple and based on mutual respect.
The couple met through mutual friends and their relationship blossomed over time. Vijay was attracted to Jesse’s straightforwardness and supportive attitude, while Jesse admired Vijay’s determination and humility.
They dated for a few years before getting married in a traditional Tamil wedding. Their marriage has been rock solid and supportive, with Jessie being a pillar of support in Vijay’s career.
Vijay and Jessie have two children: son Surya Sethupathi and daughter Shreeja Sethupathi. Vijay is a dedicated father who spends quality time with his children despite his busy schedule. He cherishes the time he spends with his family and makes sure he is there for his children during their important moments in life.
Profession
Vijay Sethupathi’s career in the entertainment industry is a remarkable story of perseverance and talent. After returning from Dubai, he joined the Koothu-P-Pattarai troupe and gradually made his way into Tamil cinema. His early years in the industry were dominated by small roles in TV serials and untitled films.
Despite the initial difficulties, he remained undeterred and continued to work towards his goal. In 2010, he shot to fame with the film Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, directed by Seenu Ramasamy.
Vijay’s performance as a responsible son in this rural drama received critical acclaim and began his rise to fame in the Tamil film industry. The film won several awards, including three National Film Awards, and thrust Vijay into the limelight.
After his success, Vijay continued to appear in a variety of roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His lead role in the horror thriller Pizza (2012) was a huge commercial success, further establishing him as a leading actor.
His performance in the comedy drama Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) was widely praised for its humor and originality.
In 2013, Vijay gave another brilliant performance in the film Soodhu Kavvum, in which he played an eccentric kidnapper.
The success of the film cemented his reputation as a versatile actor who could handle a wide range of film genres. His ability to seamlessly transition between roles led to him being dubbed “Makkal Selvan” (the people’s treasure) by his fans.
Vijay’s career continued to flourish with a string of successful films such as Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014), Iraivi (2016) and Vikram Vedha (2017). In Vikram Vedha, he played a notorious gangster opposite R. Madhavan and his performance was widely praised.
The film was a huge commercial success and further cemented Vijay’s position in the industry. Apart from acting, Vijay has also ventured into film production and screenwriting. He produced the film Orange Mittai (2015) in which he played the lead role. His contribution as a producer has been widely praised and he continues to explore new opportunities in the industry.
Awards
- National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film – Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain – Sundarapandian (2012)
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil – Soodhu Kavvum (2013)
- Edison Award for Best Actor – “Vikram Vedha” (2017)
- Filmfare Critics Circle Award for Best Actor – South – “Super Deluxe” (2019)
- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Tamil – “96” (2018)
net worth
Vijay Sethupathi’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his successful career in the film industry, including acting, producing, and screenwriting.
dispute
While Vijay Sethupathi has had an illustrious career, it has not been without controversy. The most notable of these came in 2020 when he starred in a biopic on Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan.
The announcement was met with strong backlash, especially from Tamil groups and political parties, who objected to the portrayal due to Muralitharan’s apparent political stance during the Sri Lankan civil war. The intense criticism led Vijay to withdraw from the project, citing respect for the feelings of the Tamil people.
In 2021, Vijay stirred up another controversy when his picture with a controversial figure surfaced online. The picture led to widespread speculation and criticism, with many questioning his relationship and what it meant.
Vijay addressed the matter by clarifying the background of the photo and the controversial affiliation. Vijay’s outspoken nature has also led to several public spats with his industry colleagues and critics.
His candid comments about the film industry, the pressures of stardom, and his disdain for certain industry conventions occasionally irritated people. While many appreciated his honesty, others viewed it as unprofessional, sparking heated debate and media coverage.
Rumors of extramarital affairs also plagued Vijay’s personal life. Although he has always denied the allegations, the rumors have persisted, putting a strain on his public image.
Despite all the speculations, Vijay has maintained that his primary focus remains his family and career and he chooses not to get deeply involved in rumour mongering.In 2022, Vijay landed in legal trouble when a fellow actor filed a defamation case against him.
The lawsuit accused Vijay of making derogatory remarks at a public event. The case received widespread media attention and sparked a discussion about free speech and accountability in the entertainment industry.
The legal proceedings are still ongoing and neither party has made further comments to the media. Despite these controversies, Vijay still has a huge fan following and enjoys great popularity.
That he was able to rise to these challenges and stay true to his professional commitment speaks volumes about his resilience and dedication to his profession.
While the controversy has undoubtedly affected his career, it has also highlighted his human side and made his journey more relatable to audiences.
Social Media
- – Instagram: @actorvijaysethupathi
- – Twitter: @VijaySethuOffl
Filmography
- ——Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010)
- – Pizza (2012)
- – Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012)
- – Soodhu Kavvum (2013)
- – Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014)
- – Iraivi (2016)
- – Vikram Vedda (2017)
- – 96 (2018)
- – Super Deluxe Edition (2019)
- – Master (2021)
- – Vikram (2022)
- – Kathu Vakula Lundu Kadar (2022)
- – DSP (2023)
