Vijay Sethupathi Age, Wiki, Wife, Family, Career, Net Worth

Vijay Sethupathi is a celebrated Indian actor, born on January 16, 1978 (48 years old), in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India.

He works mainly in Tamil cinema and has also appeared in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films.

Vijay started his film career with small uncredited roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He got his first lead role in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) and rose to fame with Pizza (2012), Soodhu Kavvum (2013), and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012).

He is fondly called “Makkal Selvan”, meaning “People’s Treasure”, for his grounded performances in films like Vikram Vedha (2017), 96 (2018), Super Deluxe (2019), Vikram (2022), and Maharaja (2024). He also played the antagonist in the Hindi blockbuster Jawan (2023), opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Super Deluxe (2019). He also took over as host of Bigg Boss Tamil from Season 8 in 2024.

Quick Facts of Vijay Sethupathi

Full Name	Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu
Profession	Actor, Film Producer, Lyricist, Dialogue Writer
Age	48 years old
Date of Birth	January 16, 1978
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac/Sun Sign	Capricorn
Birthplace	Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India
Current Address	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Gender	Male

Vijay Sethupathi Early Life and Education 

Vijay Sethupathi was born in Rajapalayam, a town in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, India.

He was raised in Rajapalayam until Class 5, after which his family moved to Chennai. He grew up in the Ennore neighbourhood of North Chennai.

By his own admission, Vijay was a below-average student during his school days. He had little interest in sports or extracurricular activities and worked many odd jobs in his youth.

Education

Vijay completed his schooling at MGR Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam and Little Angels Mat. Hr. Sec. School in Chennai.

He later pursued his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Dhanraj Baid Jain College in Chennai. During college, he worked as a salesman, cashier, and phone booth operator to support his family.

In 1994, at the age of 16, he auditioned for a role in the Tamil film Nammavar but was rejected due to his short height.

School	MGR Higher Secondary School, Kodambakkam;Little Angels Mat. Hr. Sec. School
Alma Mater	Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Chennai
Highest Qualification	Graduate (B.Com)

Vijay Sethupathi Personal Life 

Vijay Sethupathi is known for keeping his personal life away from the spotlight, despite being one of the most loved actors in Indian cinema.

He lives a simple lifestyle in Chennai with his wife and two children. He has often spoken about how he prefers staying grounded and close to his family.

Wife

Vijay Sethupathi is married to Jessie Sethupathi. The couple tied the knot in 2003 after meeting online while Vijay was working as an accountant in Dubai.

They dated for around two years before getting married. Reports suggest that Vijay met Jessie in person only about ten days before their wedding.

Jessie was previously known to have worked in the banking sector before stepping away to support the family. She prefers a private life and rarely attends public events.

Children

Vijay and Jessie have two children, a son named Surya and a daughter named Shreeja.

Their son Surya was named after Vijay’s close friend who passed away during his school days. Surya played the younger version of his father in the 2015 Tamil hit Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.

Father

Vijay Sethupathi’s father’s name is Kalimuthu. He was a civil engineer by profession.

Mother

His mother’s name is Saraswathi. She is a homemaker. More details about her are yet to be updated.

Siblings

Vijay has three siblings, two brothers and one sister. He has spoken in interviews about being close to his family and taking responsibility for his siblings during his early years. Their detailed names and professions are yet to be updated.

Relationship Status	Married
Wife	Jessie Sethupathi
Children	Son: Surya Sethupathi  Daughter: Shreeja Sethupathi
Parents	Father: Kalimuthu Mother: Saraswathi
Siblings	Two brothers and one sister (names yet to be updated)

Vijay Sethupathi Career

Vijay Sethupathi has built one of the most respected careers in Indian cinema. He started from small uncredited roles and grew into one of the highest-paid actors in the country, working across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films.

Background Roles and Early Struggle (2004 to 2010)

Vijay started his journey in cinema with a small uncredited role in the film Love Birds (1996). His on-screen acting career began with M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004), in which he played a boxing student.

He continued with minor roles in films like Pudhupettai (2006), led by Dhanush, Lee (2007), Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009), and Naan Mahaan Alla (2010), which starred Karthi and Kajal Aggarwal.

He also worked on many short films during his struggle period before getting his first lead role.

First Lead Role (2010 to 2011)

His first leading role came with Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), where he played a shepherd alongside Saranya Ponvannan and Vasundhara Kashyap. The film won three National Film Awards.

He then appeared in Varnam (2011) and Nandha (2011) in supporting parts.

Breakthrough Year (2012)

The year 2012 became a turning point for Vijay. He played the villain in Sundarapandian (2012), led by M. Sasikumar and Lakshmi Menon, and won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain.

He then starred in the thriller Pizza (2012), opposite Remya Nambeesan, and in the comedy Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012), with Gayathrie Shankar. Both films turned him into a popular face in Tamil cinema.

Rise as a Lead Actor (2013 to 2015)

In 2013, he led the crime comedy Soodhu Kavvum, sharing screen space with Sanchita Shetty, Ashok Selvan, Bobby Simha, and Karunakaran. The same year, he appeared in Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara with Nandita Swetha.

In 2014, he starred in Rummy with Inigo Prabhakaran and Aishwarya Rajesh, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, and made a cameo in Jigarthanda, led by Siddharth and Bobby Simha.

In 2015, he produced, wrote, and starred in Orange Mittai with Ramesh Thilak. He also played the lead in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan opposite Nayanthara.

Year of Multiple Hits and the “Makkal Selvan” Title (2016)

The year 2016 was a strong one for Vijay. He led Sethupathi opposite Remya Nambeesan, Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum with Madonna Sebastian, and Iraivi alongside Bobby Simha and Anjali.

He also appeared in Dharma Durai with Tamannaah Bhatia, Aandavan Kattalai with Ritika Singh, and Rekka with Lakshmi Menon. It was during Dharma Durai that director Seenu Ramasamy named him “Makkal Selvan”, meaning “People’s Treasure”.

Critical Acclaim and Filmfare Awards (2017 to 2018)

In 2017, Vijay starred in Kavan with T. Rajendar and Madonna Sebastian, and in the neo noir action thriller Vikram Vedha opposite R. Madhavan, Shraddha Srinath, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. He also led Karuppan with Tanya Hope.

In 2018, he produced and starred in Junga with Sayyeshaa, appeared in Imaikkaa Nodigal with Nayanthara and Atharvaa Murali, and played a key role in Mani Ratnam’s Chekka Chivantha Vaanam with Arvind Swami, Arun Vijay, Silambarasan, Jyothika, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Aditi Rao Hydari.

The same year, he led the romantic drama 96 opposite Trisha Krishnan, which became one of his most loved films, and the experimental Seethakathi.

National Award Winning Phase (2019)

In 2019, Vijay played a cameo in Rajinikanth’s Petta, which also featured Trisha Krishnan, Simran, and Bobby Simha. He then starred in the powerful drama Super Deluxe with Fahadh Faasil, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Ramya Krishnan.

For his role as a trans woman in Super Deluxe, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. The same year, he appeared in Sindhubaadh with Anjali and the Telugu period drama Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy with Chiranjeevi, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Nayanthara.

Expansion Across Languages (2020 to 2022)

In 2020, he led the political drama Ka Pae Ranasingam with Aishwarya Rajesh.

In 2021, he played the antagonist in the blockbuster Master, opposite Thalapathy Vijay and Malavika Mohanan. He also appeared in Tughlaq Durbar with Raashii Khanna, the Telugu film Uppena, Laabam with Shruti Haasan, and Annabelle Sethupathi with Taapsee Pannu.

In 2022, he led Kadaisi Vivasayi, Maamanithan with Gayathrie Shankar, and the romantic comedy Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal with Nayanthara and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He played the villain in Vikram alongside Kamal Haasan and Fahadh Faasil, and also appeared in DSP and the Malayalam film 19(1)(a) with Nithya Menen.

Hindi Cinema Debut (2023)

In 2023, Vijay made his full Hindi film debut with Mumbaikar, opposite Vikrant Massey, and led the Telugu film Michael with Sundeep Kishan.

He played the lead in Viduthalai Part 1 with Soori and grabbed national attention as the antagonist Kalee Gaikwad in Jawan opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, and Deepika Padukone. He also starred in the Hindi web series Farzi with Shahid Kapoor.

Maharaja and Bigg Boss Era (2024)

In 2024, he starred in the Hindi and Tamil release Merry Christmas opposite Katrina Kaif. He then led the action thriller Maharaja, which co-starred Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, and Bharathiraja, and became one of the biggest hits of his career.

He returned in Viduthalai Part 2 with Soori. The same year, he replaced Kamal Haasan as the host of Bigg Boss Tamil from Season 8 onwards on Star Vijay and Disney+ Hotstar.

Recent Work (2025 to 2026)

In 2025, Vijay led the romantic crime comedy Ace, directed by Arumuga Kumar, with Rukmini Vasanth, Yogi Babu, and Divya Pillai. He also appeared in Thalaivan Thalaivii with Nithya Menen and made a cameo in the Malayalam film Thudarum with Mohanlal.

He returned to host Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9, which premiered in October 2025. He also reprised his role as Michael Vedhanayagam IPS in a special cameo in The Family Man Season 3 on Amazon Prime Video.

In 2026, his long-awaited silent film Gandhi Talks was released, also starring Arvind Swamy, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Siddharth Jadhav, with music by A. R. Rahman.

Upcoming Projects

His upcoming work includes Muthu Engira Kaattaan, a rural action web series premiering on JioHotstar, and Arasan, directed by Vetrimaaran with Silambarasan in the lead.

He is also part of Train, directed by Mysskin, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayaram, and Shruti Haasan, with music by A. R. Rahman. He has also been linked to Jailer 2 with Rajinikanth and an upcoming romantic film with Mani Ratnam.

Vijay Sethupathi Awards and Achievements

Vijay Sethupathi has received numerous awards and nominations for his work across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and OTT projects. He is the recipient of a National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and several Vijay Awards. 

He earned his biggest national recognition for Super Deluxe (2019), while films like Vikram Vedha, 96, Master, Vikram, Jawan, and Maharaja brought him steady wins and nominations.

His major wins

• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2012): Won Best Villain for Sundarapandian (2012).
• 7th Vijay Awards (2013): Won Best Actor (Special Jury Award) for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012).
• Edison Awards (2013): Won Best Male Rising Star for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012).
• Norway Tamil Film Festival (2013): Won Best Actor for Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012).
• SIIMA Awards (2013): Won Best Actor (Critics) Tamil for Pizza (2012).
• 8th Vijay Awards (2014): Won Best Actor for Soodhu Kavvum (2013).
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2013): Won Special Prize for Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013).
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2014): Won Special Prize for Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014).
• Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (2018): Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Villainous Role for Vikram Vedha (2017).
• Filmfare Awards South (2018): Won Best Actor Tamil for Vikram Vedha (2017).
• Filmfare Awards South (2019): Won Best Actor Tamil for 96 (2018), tied with Dhanush for Vada Chennai.
• 67th National Film Awards (2021): Won Best Supporting Actor for Super Deluxe (2019).
• Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (2019): Won Equality in Cinema Award for Super Deluxe (2019).
• Critics’ Choice Film Awards (2024): Won Best Actor (Critics) for Maharaja (2024).

His key nominations

• Filmfare Awards South (2013): Nominated for Best Actor Tamil for Pizza (2012).
• SIIMA Awards (2021): Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role Tamil for Ka Pae Ranasingam (2020).
• SIIMA Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role Tamil for Master (2021).
• SIIMA Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role, Telugu for Uppena (2021).
• SIIMA Awards (2023): Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role Tamil for Vikram (2022).
• Filmfare Awards South (2023): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor Tamil for Vikram (2022).
• IIFA Awards (2024): Nominated for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Jawan (2023).
• SIIMA Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role Tamil for Maharaja (2024).

Vijay Sethupathi Controversies

Vijay Sethupathi is generally known for staying away from drama in his personal life. However, a few public controversies have surfaced over the years, mostly linked to his film choices and online accusations.

• The 800 biopic controversy (2020): Vijay was cast to play Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan in the biopic 800. The casting led to outrage among Tamil nationalists and political groups who pointed to Muralitharan’s past political stance on the Sri Lankan Civil War. After mounting protests and a public request from Muralitharan himself, Vijay withdrew from the project.
• Online threats against his daughter (2020): Following the 800 controversy, a Twitter user posted obscene comments and a rape threat against Vijay’s minor daughter. Chennai Police registered a case under the IPC and the IT Act after public outrage.
• Bigg Boss Tamil hosting debate (2024): When Vijay replaced Kamal Haasan as the host of Bigg Boss Tamil from Season 8, a section of fans and viewers expressed disappointment online. Despite the chatter, he continued to host the show and returned for Season 9 in 2025.
• Casting couch allegations by Ramya Mohan (2025): An X user named Ramya Mohan made serious allegations against Vijay, claiming sexual exploitation and drug-related misconduct in Kollywood. The posts were later deleted, and the account was removed. Vijay denied the allegations, called them “filthy lies”, and filed a complaint with the cybercrime division.
• Weight loss debate (2022): A social media post of Vijay’s drastic weight loss for a film role sparked an online debate. While many fans appreciated his dedication, others speculated about possible cosmetic procedures. The actor did not address the rumours directly.

Vijay Sethupathi Net Worth 

Vijay Sethupathi’s net worth has not been officially confirmed by him or his team. Most figures available online are estimates.

His net worth is estimated to be around ₹140 crore (approx. $17 million), as per recent reports. His income comes from films, brand endorsements, hosting Bigg Boss Tamil, and his production house, Vijay Sethupathi Productions.

He reportedly charges around ₹15 to ₹30 crore per film. His fee for hosting Bigg Boss Tamil is said to be around ₹60 crore per season.

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)	₹140 crore (approx. $17 million)
Salary (Approx.)	₹15 to ₹30 crore per film; ₹60 crore for Bigg Boss Tamil

Vijay Sethupathi Height, Weight and Physical Stats

Height	In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight	In kg: 65 kg In lbs: 143 lbs
Body Measurements	Chest: 39 inches Waist: 33 inches Biceps: 12 inches
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black

Vijay Sethupathi Social media 

Instagram

@actorvijaysethupathi

Interesting Facts about Vijay Sethupathi

• Before films, Vijay worked as a salesman, cashier, and phone booth operator during his college days to support his family. 
• He later worked as an accountant in Dubai, where he distributed free advertisements on Sheikh Zayed Road every Thursday.
• Director Balu Mahendra once told Vijay he had a photogenic face, which inspired him to pursue acting seriously. 
• He later joined the Chennai-based theatre group Koothupattarai as an accountant to stay close to actors and the craft.
• Vijay owns a film production house called Vijay Sethupathi Productions, founded in 2014. The banner has produced films like Orange Mittai (2015), Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018), and Junga (2018).
• He is also a lyricist and playback singer. He wrote and sang songs like “Straight Ah Poyee” and “Orae Oru Oorula” from Orange Mittai (2015), and penned the lyrics for “Eternal Subway” from Bun Butter Jam (2025).
• Despite his stardom, Vijay still lives a simple life. He eats on the floor, does not own a dining table, and lives in a modest 1,300 square foot flat in Chennai.
• In 2014, he led a public rally at Marina Beach in Chennai, organised by the Chennai Mayopathy Institute of Muscular Dystrophy and Research Center, to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy.

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