Vijay Sethupathi Quick Facts
| Full Name | Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu |
| Popular Name | Makkal Selvan |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Television Host |
| Date of Birth | 16 January 1978 |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 2004–present |
| First Lead Role | Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) |
| Breakthrough | Pizza, Sundarapandian and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) |
| Known For | Vikram Vedha, ’96, Super Deluxe, Master, Vikram, Jawan, Maharaja |
| Spouse | Jessie (m. 2003) |
| Children | Two |
| Education | B.Com, Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Chennai |
Vijay Sethupathi Career in Numbers
Here is a snapshot of Vijay Sethupathi’s career.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films | 50+ |
| 50th Film | Maharaja (2024) |
| National Film Award | 1 (Best Supporting Actor, Super Deluxe) |
| Filmfare Awards South | 2 |
| Languages | Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam |
Early Life and Family
Vijay Sethupathi was born on 16 January 1978 in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, and moved to Chennai as a child. He earned a commerce degree from Dhanraj Baid Jain College.
To support his family, he worked several jobs, including as an accountant in Dubai. Returning to India in 2003, he joined the Chennai theatre group Koothu-P-Pattarai and began working as a background actor in films and TV.
Vijay Sethupathi Career Journey
Struggle and Breakthrough (2004–2012)
After years of small roles, Vijay got his first lead in Seenu Ramasamy’s Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), which won the National Film Award for Best Tamil Film. In 2012, Pizza, Sundarapandian and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom were all successful and made him a leading actor.
Unusual Choices (2013–2019)
He became known for picking unconventional scripts: Soodhu Kavvum, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, the gangster drama Vikram Vedha (2017), which won him a Filmfare Award, and the romantic drama ’96 (2018). His role as a trans woman in Super Deluxe (2019) won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Villain Roles and Pan-India Fame (2021–2023)
He played memorable villains in Master (2021), the Telugu film Uppena (2021), Kamal Haasan’s Vikram (2022) and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (2023), while starring in Vetrimaaran’s Viduthalai Part 1.
Maharaja and Recent Work (2024–Present)
His 50th film, Maharaja (2024), became a critical and commercial hit and found a huge audience in China and on streaming. He followed it with Viduthalai Part 2, Ace and Thalaivan Thalaivii (2025), and hosts Bigg Boss Tamil. Upcoming films include Train with Shruti Haasan.
Vijay Sethupathi Movies: Complete Filmography
Below are the major films of Vijay Sethupathi’s career.
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (First lead; National Award-winning film) | Murugaiyan |
| 2012 | Pizza (Breakthrough thriller) | Michael |
| 2012 | Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (Comedy hit) | Prem |
| 2013 | Soodhu Kavvum (Cult comedy) | Das |
| 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Pandian |
| 2017 | Vikram Vedha (Filmfare Best Actor – Tamil) | Vedha |
| 2018 | ’96 (Filmfare Critics Award) | K. Ramachandran |
| 2019 | Super Deluxe (National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor) | Shilpa |
| 2021 | Master (Villain opposite Vijay) | Bhavani |
| 2021 | Uppena (Telugu villain role) | Rayanam |
| 2022 | Vikram (With Kamal Haasan) | Sandhanam |
| 2023 | Viduthalai Part 1 (Directed by Vetrimaaran) | Perumal ‘Vaathiyar’ |
| 2023 | Jawan (Hindi; with Shah Rukh Khan) | Kalee Gaikwad |
| 2024 | Merry Christmas (Hindi; with Katrina Kaif) | Albert |
| 2024 | Maharaja (50th film; major hit) | Maharaja |
| 2024 | Viduthalai Part 2 (Sequel) | Perumal ‘Vaathiyar’ |
| 2025 | Ace (Tamil) | Lead |
| 2025 | Thalaivan Thalaivii (With Nithya Menen) | Lead |
| Upcoming | Train (With Shruti Haasan) | Undisclosed |
Vijay Sethupathi Web Series and Television
| Year | Title | Role/Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Farzi | Michael Vedanayagam | Prime Video; with Shahid Kapoor |
| 2024–2025 | Bigg Boss Tamil | Host | Seasons 8 and 9 |
Vijay Sethupathi Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor | For Super Deluxe |
| 2018 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil | For Vikram Vedha |
| 2019 | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil | For ’96 |
| Career | 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Including Best Actor |
Vijay Sethupathi Personal Life
Vijay married Jessie, whom he met online, in 2003. The couple have two children, a son and a daughter. His son Surya has also started acting.
He is known for his humility, simple lifestyle and generosity towards fans and fellow artists.
Vijay Sethupathi Net Worth
Vijay earns from acting fees across languages, television hosting, production and brand endorsements.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹140 crore.
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About Vijay Sethupathi
- He worked as an accountant in Dubai before acting.
- He began as a background actor while part of the Koothu-P-Pattarai theatre group.
- He played a trans woman in Super Deluxe and won a National Film Award for it.
- Maharaja was his 50th film and became a hit in China.
- He hosts Bigg Boss Tamil, taking over from Kamal Haasan.
Legacy and Impact
Vijay Sethupathi’s rise from background actor to national award winner is one of Tamil cinema’s great success stories. His willingness to play any role, big or small, hero or villain, has redefined stardom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vijay Sethupathi
How old is Vijay Sethupathi?
Vijay Sethupathi was born on 16 January 1978, making him 48 years old as of 2026.
Why is Vijay Sethupathi called Makkal Selvan?
Fans gave him the title, meaning ‘the people’s treasure’, for his down-to-earth nature.
What was Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film?
His 50th film was Maharaja (2024).
Has Vijay Sethupathi won a National Award?
Yes, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Super Deluxe.
What is Vijay Sethupathi’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at approximately ₹140 crore, based on publicly reported information.
Final Summary
From an accountant in Dubai to one of India’s most respected actors, Vijay Sethupathi has built his career on talent and range. He remains one of the busiest stars across languages.
