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

Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is one of India’s biggest film stars and the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

He was born on June 22, 1974 (51 years old), in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.

His full name is Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar. He works mainly in Tamil cinema and is among the highest-paid actors in India.

Vijay began his film career as a child artist in Vetri (1984) and made his lead debut with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992). He rose to fame with romantic hits like Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997) and Thullatha Manamum Thullum (1999).

For Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. He has also won eight Vijay Awards and the Kalaimaamani Award (1998).

In February 2024, he founded the political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In May 2026, he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Quick Facts of Vijay

Full Name	Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar
Profession	Actor, Politician, Playback Singer
Age	51 years old
Date of Birth	June 22, 1974
Nationality	Indian
Zodiac/Sun Sign	Cancer
Birthplace	Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India
Current Address	Neelankarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Gender	Male

Vijay Early Life and Education 

Vijay was born in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India. He was born into a film family with deep roots in Tamil cinema.

Since he grew up around film sets, music, and dance, his love for cinema started very early. He began acting in his father’s films as a child artist at the age of 10.

Vijay was a talkative, naughty, and hyperactive child. However, he became quiet and reserved after his sister Vidhya’s death, which deeply affected him.

In her loving memory, he later named his production company V. V. Productions, short for Vidhya Vijay Productions, reflecting the close bond he continues to share with her.

Education

Vijay completed his schooling in Chennai. He then joined Loyola College, Chennai, to study Visual Communication.

He left college before finishing his degree to focus on his acting career. At Loyola, he studied alongside future actors like Suriya Sivakumar and music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja.

School	Fathima Matriculation Higher Secondary School;Balalok Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Alma Mater	Loyola College, Chennai
Highest Qualification	Undergraduate (dropped out)

Vijay Personal Life 

Vijay has been in the public eye for over three decades, but he has always kept his personal life mostly private. However, his marriage, family, and recent divorce news have become major talking points in 2026.

Wife

Vijay is married to Sangeetha Sornalingam, a Sri Lankan Tamil who grew up in London. She was the daughter of a prominent Tamil industrialist based in the United Kingdom.

Sangeetha became a huge fan of Vijay after watching his 1996 film Poove Unakkaga. She later flew down to Chennai to meet him at a film shoot and congratulate him.

Their meeting turned into a friendship and then a relationship. After both families approved, Vijay and Sangeetha got married on August 25, 1999, in Chennai.

Since Vijay is a Christian and Sangeetha is a Hindu, their wedding was held with both Hindu and Christian traditions.

After marriage, Sangeetha stayed away from films and public events. She focused on raising their two children and supporting Vijay’s career silently.

In 2019, she was honoured with the “Unheralded Commander” award by Galatta Media for her role as a quiet and supportive partner.

Divorce Case

In February 2026, Sangeetha Sornalingam filed for divorce against Vijay at the Chengalpattu Family Court in Tamil Nadu.

She alleged that Vijay had been in an extramarital relationship with an actress since April 2021. She also claimed that despite repeated assurances, the alleged relationship continued.

She also reportedly sought the right to stay in the marital home and permanent alimony.

After non-appearance on April 20, 2026, the Chengalpattu Family Court rescheduled their next hearing to June 15, 2026. Vijay’s team had requested to attend through video conferencing.

Rumoured Relationship

Soon after news of the divorce broke, Vijay was seen with actress Trisha Krishnan at a wedding reception in Chennai on March 5, 2026. The reception was held for producer Kalpathi S. Suresh’s son.

Their appearance went viral on social media, with many fans linking Trisha to the actress mentioned in the divorce petition.

The rumours grew stronger when Trisha attended Vijay’s swearing in ceremony as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. She was seen seated in the front row at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai and reportedly handled responsibilities usually expected of a spouse during the event.

Photos and videos of her presence at the ceremony went viral on social media. Many users claimed she was “playing the role of his wife”, although neither Vijay nor Trisha addressed the speculation publicly.

Children

Vijay and Sangeetha have two children, a son and a daughter. Both children have largely grown up away from the limelight, with brief appearances in his films.

Son

Their son, Jason Sanjay, was born on August 26, 2000, in London. He studied filmmaking in Canada and has expressed interest in directing his father in a film someday. He earlier appeared in Vijay’s film Vettaikaaran (2009).

Daughter

Their daughter, Divya Saasha, was born on September 9, 2005, in Chennai. She studied at the American International School Chennai (AISC) and is known to be a strong badminton player. She made a cameo appearance in Vijay’s 2016 film Theri, playing his on-screen daughter, Niveditha.

Father

His father is S. A. Chandrasekhar, popularly known as SAC, a senior Tamil film director, producer, and screenwriter.

He directed Vijay’s first film as a child artist, Vetri (1984), and also launched Vijay as a lead actor with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992).

Mother

His mother is Shoba Chandrasekhar, a respected Tamil playback singer, Carnatic vocalist, and writer. She has sung in many Tamil films and is widely admired for her musical talent.

She has always been a strong emotional anchor for Vijay. He has often spoken about how his mother shaped his discipline, calm nature, and faith.

Siblings

Vijay had a younger sister named Vidhya Chandrasekhar. She sadly passed away at the age of two due to illness.

Her death deeply affected Vijay, and he has often spoken about her in interviews. He named his production company V. V. Productions (Vidhya Vijay Productions) in her loving memory. The 2005 Tamil film Sukran was also based on her story.

Relationship Status	Married (Divorce case ongoing as of 2026)
Wife/Rumoured Girlfriend	Wife: Sangeetha Sornalingam Rumoured Girlfriend: Trisha Krishnan
Children	Son: Jason Sanjay  Daughter: Divya Saasha
Parents	Father: S. A. Chandrasekhar Mother: Shoba Chandrasekhar
Siblings	Sister: Vidhya Chandrasekhar (deceased)

Vijay Career

Vijay’s career spans over four decades, starting from his days as a child artist to becoming one of India’s biggest superstars. He has acted in nearly 70 films as a lead actor and is widely regarded as the highest-paid actor in Tamil cinema.

Child Artist Days (1984 to 1991)

Vijay made his debut in Tamil cinema as a child artist in the film Vetri (1984), directed by his father S. A. Chandrasekhar. He played a small role and earned early appreciation.

He went on to feature as a child actor in films like Kudumbam (1984), Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985) with Rajinikanth, Vasantha Raagam (1986), Sattam Oru Vilayattu (1987), and Ithu Engal Neethi (1988).

Debut as Lead Actor (1992 to 1995)

Vijay made his debut as a lead actor with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992) at the age of 18. The film was again directed by his father, S. A. Chandrasekhar.

In 1993, he played a key role opposite veteran actor Vijayakanth in Senthoorapandi. He continued to act in his father’s films like Rasigan (1994), Deva (1995), Rajavin Parvaiyile (1995), and Vishnu (1995).

These early films helped him build a strong base in the Tamil film industry. Most of these movies were commercially successful and laid the foundation for his stardom.

Rise as a Romantic Hero (1996 to 2002)

Vijay’s first major commercial success came with the romantic comedy Coimbatore Mappillai (1996), co-starring Sanghavi. The same year, he hit the breakthrough Poove Unakkaga, opposite Sangita.

In 1997, he delivered three big hits in a row. He starred in Love Today (1997) with Suvalakshmi, Nerrukku Ner with Suriya Sivakumar and Simran, and Kadhalukku Mariyadhai with Shalini. For Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, he won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.

In 1999, he played a passionate singer in Thullatha Manamum Thullum opposite Simran, which made him a romantic icon.

In 2000, he gave more hits like Kushi opposite Jyothika and Priyamaanavale opposite Simran. His 25th film, Kannukkul Nilavu (2000), was also a notable release.

In 2001, three of his films, Friends with Suriya Sivakumar and Devayani, Badri with Bhumika Chawla, and Shahjahan with Richa Pallod, became box office hits.

In 2002, he starred in Thamizhan with Priyanka Chopra in her Tamil debut, Youth with Shaheen Khan, and Bagavathi with Reema Sen.

Transition to Action Hero (2003 to 2008)

In 2003, the masala blockbuster Thirumalai with Jyothika changed his on-screen image to that of a full-fledged action hero. The same year, he appeared in Vaseegara and Pudhiya Geethai.

In 2004, he played a kabaddi player in Ghilli opposite Trisha Krishnan, with Prakash Raj as the antagonist. The film became the most successful Tamil film of that year and a cult favourite.

In 2005, he starred in Thirupaachi with Trisha Krishnan, Sachein with Genelia D’Souza, and Sivakasi with Asin. He also did an extended cameo in Sukran (2005), which was based on his late sister Vidhya’s story.

In 2006, he led Aathi opposite Trisha Krishnan. In 2007, he gave the mega blockbuster Pokkiri opposite Asin, with Prakash Raj as the villain. He also acted in Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007) opposite Shriya Saran and Namitha, playing dual roles for the first time.

In 2008, he reunited with Trisha Krishnan in Kuruvi. He also made a guest appearance in Pandhayam the same year.

Mid Career Phase (2009 to 2010)

In 2009, Vijay starred in Villu opposite Nayanthara, where he played dual roles. He followed it up with Vettaikaaran the same year, opposite Anushka Shetty. Both films were box office successes.

In 2010, he led his 50th film, Sura, opposite Tamannaah Bhatia. However, the film could only recover its production cost and did not perform as expected.

Comeback and Consistent Success (2011 to 2014)

In 2011, Vijay made a strong comeback with Kaavalan opposite Asin. The film completed a 100-day theatrical run and was a major hit. Later that year, Velayudham (2011), opposite Hansika Motwani and Genelia D’Souza, also became a global success.

In 2012, he played a college student in Nanban, the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots, with Jiiva, Srikanth, and Ileana D’Cruz. The same year, he played an Indian Army officer in A. R. Murugadoss’s Thuppakki opposite Kajal Aggarwal, with Vidyut Jammwal as the villain. Both films were major hits.

In 2013, he played twin roles in Thalaivaa opposite Amala Paul. In 2014, he led the multi-starrer Jilla alongside Mohanlal and Kajal Aggarwal.

Later in 2014, he teamed up again with A. R. Murugadoss for Kaththi opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu, with Neil Nitin Mukesh as the antagonist. The action film became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of that year.

Blockbuster Era (2015 to 2019)

In 2015, he played dual roles in the fantasy film Puli opposite Shruti Haasan and Hansika Motwani, with Sridevi as the antagonist.

In 2016, he gave his first major collaboration with director Atlee in Theri opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson. The film had one of the biggest openings in Tamil cinema history.

In 2017, he starred in Bairavaa opposite Keerthy Suresh, followed by Mersal, again with Atlee. Mersal had him playing triple roles alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kajal Aggarwal, and Nithya Menen. The film became a massive box office hit and earned him a UK Award for Best Actor.

In 2018, he played a corporate giant turned political leader in Sarkar, directed by A. R. Murugadoss. The film starred Keerthy Suresh and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and was a critical and commercial success.

In 2019, he led Bigil opposite Nayanthara, with Jackie Shroff as the antagonist. The film, directed by Atlee, was a women’s football drama and a major Diwali hit.

Pan India Phase (2021 to 2024)

In 2021, Vijay starred in Master, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. He shared screen space with Vijay Sethupathi and Malavika Mohanan in the action thriller, which became a Pongal blockbuster.

In 2022, he led Beast opposite Pooja Hegde, with Selvaraghavan as the antagonist. The film became one of the biggest openers despite mixed reviews.

In 2023, he starred in two films. Varisu, a family drama released for Pongal, had him opposite Rashmika Mandanna, with R. Sarathkumar, Jayasudha, and Prakash Raj in supporting roles.

Later in 2023, he reunited with Lokesh Kanagaraj for Leo opposite Trisha Krishnan. The film also featured Sanjay Dutt in his Tamil debut, with Arjun Sarja, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Madonna Sebastian, and Priya Anand. Leo became the highest-grossing film of his career.

In 2024, he starred in The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu. He played dual roles alongside Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Jayaram, and Yogi Babu. The film globally crossed Rs 400 crore.

Final Film (2026)

In 2026, Vijay starred in his 69th and final film as a lead actor, Jana Nayagan. The film, which marks the end of his acting career, features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, and Shruti Haasan in cameo roles.

The release of Jana Nayagan faced delays due to censorship and legal issues at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The matter was also heard at the Madras High Court.

Political Career (2024 to Present)

On February 2, 2024, Vijay launched his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He announced that he would focus on politics full-time after his final film.

In the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, TVK contested as a standalone party. The party emerged as the single largest unit, winning 108 seats.

With the support of allies like the Indian National Congress, CPI, CPI-M, VCK, and IUML, TVK formed the government. On May 10, 2026, Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

He also contested from two assembly seats during the 2026 polls. He officially marked the end of DMK’s rule in the state and the beginning of a new political era.

Vijay Awards and Achievements

Vijay has received a wide range of awards and honours throughout his career in Tamil cinema. He has won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, eight Vijay Awards, multiple Edison Awards, and many popular choice awards.

He was honoured with the Kalaimaamani Award in 1998 and an Honorary Doctorate in 2007. His films, like Ghilli, Pokkiri, Thuppakki, Theri, Mersal, Sarkar, and Bigil, have helped him win major industry awards over the years.

His Major Wins

• Filmfans Association Awards (1992): Won New Face Award for Naalaiya Theerpu (1992).
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (1997): Won Best Actor for Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997).
• Kalaimaamani Award (1998): Honoured by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contribution to Tamil cinema.
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2000): Won the MGR Award for Thullatha Manamum Thullum (1999).
• Filmfare Awards South (2005): Won Best Tamil Actor for Ghilli (2004).
• Cinema Express Awards (2004): Won Best Actor for Ghilli (2004).
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2005): Won Best Actor (Special Prize) for Thirupaachi (2005).
• Vijay Awards (2006): Won Superstar of Tomorrow.
• Vijay Awards (2007): Won Entertainer of the Year for Pokkiri (2007) and Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007).
• Honorary Doctorate (2007): Conferred by M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute for his contributions to cinema and social welfare.
• Vijay Awards (2009): Won Favourite Hero for Vettaikaaran (2009).
• SIIMA Awards (2010): Won Most Popular Tamil Actor (Special Award).
• Variety Film Awards (2011): Won Hero of the Year for Kaavalan (2011) and Velayudham (2011).
• Edison Awards (2011): Won Best Actor and Super Star Award for Velayudham (2011).
• Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (2012): Won Best Actor for Nanban (2012) and Thuppakki (2012).
• Vijay Awards (2012): Won Entertainer of the Year for Nanban (2012) and Thuppakki (2012), and Favourite Hero for Thuppakki (2012).
• Cosmopolitan People Choice Awards (2012): Won Best Actor for Nanban (2012) and Thuppakki (2012).
• Techofes Awards (2012): Won Best Actor for Thuppakki (2012).
• Vijay Awards (2013): Won Favourite Hero for Thalaivaa (2013).
• Techofes Awards (2013): Won Favourite Actor for Thalaivaa (2013).
• Vijay Awards (2014): Won Entertainer of the Year for Jilla (2014) and Kaththi (2014).
• Kumudam Awards (2014): Won People Choice Superstar Award.
• Edison Awards (2016): Won Mass Hero of the Year for Theri (2016).
• SIIMA Awards (2017): Won Best Entertainer for Theri (2016).
• Edison Awards (2017): Won Mass Hero of the Year for Mersal (2017).
• Techofes Awards (2017): Won Favourite Actor and Best Entertainer for Mersal (2017).
• Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (2017): Won Best Actor for Mersal (2017).
• National Film Awards UK (2018): Won Best Actor for Mersal (2017).
• Vijay Awards (2018): Won Favourite Hero for Mersal (2017).
• Zee Cine Awards Tamil (2020): Won Favourite Hero for Bigil (2019).
• Edison Awards (2023): Won Mass Hero of the Year and Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song “Jolly O Gymkhana” from Beast (2022).

His Key Nominations

• Filmfare Awards South (2015): Nominated for Best Tamil Actor for Kaththi (2014).
• Filmfare Awards South (2016): Nominated for Best Male Playback Singer for the song “Yaendi Yaendi” from Puli (2015).
• Filmfare Awards South (2017): Nominated for Best Tamil Actor for Theri (2016).
• Filmfare Awards South (2018): Nominated for Best Tamil Actor for Mersal (2017).
• Filmfare Awards South (2018): Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Mersal (2017).
• Filmfare Awards South (2019): Nominated for Best Tamil Actor for Sarkar (2018).
• SIIMA Awards (2020): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bigil (2019).
• SIIMA Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Master (2021).
• SIIMA Awards (2023): Nominated for Best Playback Singer (Male) for the song “Arabic Kuthu” from Beast (2022).
• SIIMA Awards (2024): Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Leo (2023).

Vijay Controversies

Although Vijay has built a clean public image over the years, his career and personal life have faced a number of controversies. Most of these are linked to his films, his political journey, and family matters.

• Mersal GST and Digital India dialogue row (2017): Vijay’s film Mersal (2017) faced strong opposition from the BJP over scenes that criticised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Digital India. BJP leader H. Raja also tweeted Vijay’s voter ID showing his full name “Joseph Vijay” to give the controversy a communal angle.
• Sarkar political and freebies row (2018): Vijay’s film Sarkar (2018) faced public protests from the ruling AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu. The film was accused of insulting freebie schemes and naming the antagonist after the alleged original name of late CM J. Jayalalithaa. The makers later removed some of the disputed scenes after political backlash.
• Income Tax raids (2020): In February 2020, the Income Tax Department conducted raids at Vijay’s home and properties linked to him in Chennai. The case was tied to an alleged tax evasion probe at AGS Entertainment, which produced Bigil (2019). The IT department later said nothing major was found and that Vijay had paid all due taxes.
• Court case against his own parents (2021): In November 2020, Vijay’s father S. A. Chandrasekhar launched a political party named All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, using his son’s name and his fan club. Vijay publicly disowned the move. He later filed a lawsuit at the Madras High Court in 2021 against 11 people, including his parents, to stop them from using his name, photos, and fan clubs for political purposes.
• Karur stampede (2025): On September 27, 2025, a TVK rally addressed by Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu, ended in a deadly stampede that killed 41 people and injured over 100. The case became a major political and legal matter, with both the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court involved. The CBI took over the probe and questioned Vijay for nearly seven hours in January 2026.
• Jana Nayagan censor delay row (2026): Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, scheduled to release in January 2026, was delayed due to censor and certification issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Vijay’s camp alleged a political conspiracy behind the delay, claiming it was timed to affect his 2026 election campaign.
• Divorce case by wife Sangeetha Sornalingam (2026): In February 2026, his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam filed for divorce at the Chengalpattu Family Court, accusing him of an alleged extramarital affair with an actress since 2021. The case, filed under the Special Marriage Act, has been adjourned multiple times and is now scheduled for June 15, 2026. Vijay has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Vijay Net Worth 

Vijay’s net worth has not been officially declared by him or his team. Most figures online are estimates based on his film earnings, brand deals, and real estate investments.

As of 2026, his net worth is estimated to be around ₹600 to ₹700 crore (approx. $72 to $84 million). He is one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema.

His usual fee per film falls between ₹100 crore and ₹120 crore. However, for his final film Jana Nayagan (2026), he reportedly charged a massive ₹220 crore, making it one of the biggest paycheques for an Indian actor.

According to his election affidavit filed with the Election Commission for the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, his total declared assets were ₹603.20 crore. His movable assets stood at ₹404.58 crore and immovable assets, including land in Kodaikanal and properties in Chennai, at ₹198.92 crore.

Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.)	₹600 to ₹700 crore (approx. $72 to $84 million)
Salary (Approx.)	₹100 to ₹120 crore per film (₹220 crore for Jana Nayagan, 2026)

Vijay Height, Weight and Physical Stats

Height	In centimetres: 178 cm In meters: 1.78 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 10 inches
Weight	In kg: 75 kg In lbs: 165 lbs
Body Measurements	Chest: 38 inches Waist: 29 inches Biceps: 14 inches
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black

Vijay Social Media 

Instagram	@actorvijay
X	@actorvijay
Facebook	@ActorVijay

Interesting Facts about Vijay

• Vijay was reportedly paid only ₹500 for his first film, Vetri (1984), where he made his debut as a child artist.
• Vijay is a die-hard fan of Superstar Rajinikanth. He has often said that Rajinikanth inspired him to pursue acting as a career.
• Vijay’s massive sea-facing bungalow in Neelankarai, Chennai, is reportedly inspired by Hollywood actor Tom Cruise’s beach house.
• He founded a social welfare organisation called Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, which was officially launched in July 2009. It later became the base for his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
• Vijay was earlier known as “Ilayathalapathy” (Young Commander) by his fans. The title “Thalapathy” (Commander) was officially given to him by director Atlee around the time of his film Mersal (2017).
• Apart from acting, Vijay is also a playback singer. He has lent his voice to over 30 songs in his films, including hits like “Selfie Pulla” from Kaththi (2014), “Verithanam” from Bigil (2019), and “Jolly O Gymkhana” from Beast (2022).
• When Vijay made his Instagram debut on March 26, 2023, his profile gained over 2.3 million followers in just 4 hours. It was one of the fastest follower growth records by any Indian celebrity.

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