Vijay Thalapathy Biography: Age, Full Name, Early Life, Family, Education, Movies, Political Career, Wife, Children, Awards, Networth, Party Name

Vijay Thalapathy Biography:

Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar (born June 22, 1974), professionally known as Vijay, is a celebrated Indian actor and playback singer, primarily associated with Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, Vijay has appeared in 68 films, establishing himself as one of Tamil cinema’s most commercially successful stars. His films often rank among the highest-grossing Tamil releases, and he is counted among India’s highest-paid actors.

Born in Madras to renowned director S.A. Chandrasekhar, Vijay began his acting career as a child in the Tamil film Vetri (1984). After a few child roles in his father’s films, he transitioned to leading roles, debuting as a lead actor in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992) at just 18 years old. Over the next few years, he delivered several hits, including Poove Unakkaga, Love Today, Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, Thulladha Manamum Thullum, and Kushi. In 1998, he was honored with the Kalaimamani award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in recognition of his contributions to Tamil cinema.

In 2004, his movie Ghilli became the first Tamil film to cross ₹50 crore, solidifying Vijay’s place among the top actors in the industry. With subsequent successes in Thirupaachi and Pokkiri, Vijay further cemented his commercial appeal. His career saw renewed critical and box-office success starting in the late 2010s with films like Thuppakki, Kaththi, and Sarkar. He has received numerous awards for his acting over the years.

Revered by fans as “Thalapathy” (meaning “commander”), Vijay commands a massive fan following. In February 2024, he announced his retirement from acting to embark on a political career, founding the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. In 2023, Vijay was recognized as the only Tamil actor on the Eastern Eye list of top global celebrities in Asia, a distinction shared with prominent Bollywood figures.

Vijay Thalapathy Early Life, Family & Education:

Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known simply as Vijay, was born on June 22, 1974, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. His father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, is a renowned film director, and his mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, is a playback singer and vocalist. Vijay’s father comes from a Christian background, while his mother is Hindu. Vijay had a younger sister, Vidhya, who tragically passed away at the age of two.

Vijay began his education at Fathima School in Kodambakkam before transferring to Balalok School in Virugambakkam. He later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication from Loyola College, setting the foundation for his future in the film industry.

Vijay Thalapathy Career:

1984–2003: Beginnings and Rise to Leading Roles

At 10 years old, Vijay began his acting career as a child artist in the Tamil film Vetri (1984), produced by P. S. Veerappa. He continued with roles in films such as Kudumbam (1984), Vasantha Raagam (1986), Sattam Oru Vilayaattu (1987), and Ithu Engal Neethi (1988). Notably, he appeared alongside superstar Rajinikanth in Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985), directed by his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar.

Vijay took on his first lead role in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992), marking the beginning of a successful career as a leading actor. He starred in a string of hits, including Senthoorapandi, Rasigan, Deva, and Coimbatore Mappillai. In 1996, Poove Unakkaga, directed by Vikraman, became a breakthrough, giving Vijay widespread popularity. Other hits followed, such as Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen and Love Today in 1997, and the commercially successful Nerrukku Ner, Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, Ninaithen Vandhai, Priyamudan, and Thulladha Manamum Thullum.

In 1999, Vijay starred in Endrendrum Kadhal, Nenjinile, and Minsara Kanna, while the year 2000 saw success with Kannukkul Nilavu, his 25th film, along with romantic hits Kushi and Priyamaanavale. In 2001, he scored a hat trick at the box office with Friends, Badri, and Shahjahan, and in 2002, he starred in Thamizhan alongside Priyanka Chopra. Films like Youth and Bagavathi followed, and in 2003, he appeared in Vaseegara and Pudhiya Geethai.

2003–2011: Establishing as a Bankable Star

In 2003, Vijay starred in Thirumalai, an action-romance that marked his transition to mass hero roles, followed by Ghilli in 2004. Directed by S. Dharani, Ghilli became the first Tamil film to surpass ₹500 million domestically and set a new record for viewership in its opening week. Hits continued with Madhurey and Thirupaachi in 2005, as well as Sachein, Sivakasi, and Pokkiri, the latter becoming one of his highest-grossing films at the time.

In 2007, he took on a dual role for the first time in Azhagiya Tamil Magan, where he played both protagonist and antagonist. The film performed well internationally. After Kuruvi (2008) and Vettaikaaran (2009), which grossed over ₹100 crore globally, Vijay remained one of Tamil cinema’s highest-paid actors. In 2010, he starred in his 50th film, Sura. In early 2011, Kaavalan was released to positive responses and was showcased at the Shanghai International Film Festival, further succeeding in China. Later that year, Velayudham, released during Diwali, became one of the top-grossing films of 2011.

2012–Present: Global Success and Blockbuster Hits

In 2012, Vijay starred in Nanban, a Tamil remake of 3 Idiots, followed by the action thriller Thuppakki, which grossed over ₹121 crore, becoming his most successful film at that time. Thalaivaa (2013) saw mixed reviews, but Jilla (2014) was a box office success. In 2014, he starred in Kaththi, a hit that earned over ₹130 crore.

In 2015, Vijay starred in the fantasy film Puli, which, despite mixed reviews, became one of the year’s top-grossing films. The action-thriller Theri (2016), directed by Atlee, grossed ₹170 crore. In 2017, Mersal was a milestone, grossing over ₹250 crore and winning Best Foreign Language Film at the National Film Awards UK. Mersal was also showcased in Japan, China, and South Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.

In 2018, Vijay’s political thriller Sarkar crossed ₹100 crore in two days and grossed over ₹250 crore worldwide. His 2019 football action film Bigil was also successful, earning ₹300 crore and becoming the first Tamil film released in Egypt and Jordan. In 2021, Master directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj grossed over ₹300 crore globally.

In 2022, Beast performed well internationally, collecting over ₹300 crore and ranking as one of Netflix’s most-viewed films worldwide that year. In 2023, Varisu grossed ₹300 crore, and Leo surpassed ₹600 crore, making it one of the year’s highest-grossing Indian films. The Greatest of All Time, his sci-fi action film, earned ₹450 crore theatrically before a successful Netflix debut.

In February 2024, Vijay announced his retirement from acting after one final film, a political fantasy tentatively titled Thalapathy 69, marking his 69th and last lead role.

Vijay Thalapathy Political Career:

In 2009, Vijay established his fan organization, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI). This group extended its political influence by supporting the AIADMK alliance in the 2011 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. In October 2021, VMI members entered the local body elections in Tamil Nadu, winning 115 out of the 169 seats they contested.

On February 2, 2024, Vijay formally entered politics by launching his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Political analysts predict that TVK could expand beyond Tamil Nadu to other Indian states. Vijay has taken a firm stance on national issues, voicing opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (2019) passed by the BJP government, citing concerns that it could disrupt the country’s social and religious harmony.

Vijay Thalapathy Biography Personal Life:

Vijay married Sangeetha, a Sri Lankan Tamil, on August 25, 1999. The couple has two children: Sanjay, who made a brief appearance with Vijay in Vettaikaaran, and Divya, who appeared in Theri.

Vijay Thalapathy Networth:

As of 2021, Vijay’s net worth exceeded ₹420 crore. He was reported to earn ₹100 crore for Beast and between ₹120 crore and ₹150 crore for Varisu. In 2023, his earnings reportedly reached ₹200 crore, placing him among the highest-paid actors in India. By 2024, his salary surpassed even that of Hollywood’s Robert Downey Jr.

In February 2020, the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at Vijay’s residence in Chennai concerning potential tax issues related to his real estate investments; officials later reported that nothing significant was found. In July 2021, the Madras High Court dismissed Vijay’s 2012 petition seeking exemption from Entry Tax for his Rolls-Royce Ghost, imported from the UK, imposing a fine of ₹1 lakh. This decision was later stayed by a two-judge bench, and in 2022, the court ruled no fine would be imposed.

Vijay Thalapathy Awards and Accolades:

In 1998, Vijay was honored with the Kalaimamani award by the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 2007, he received an honorary doctorate from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute in recognition of his contributions to the film industry. Vijay was named Best International Actor of 2018 in the United Kingdom for his performance in Mersal. Over the years, he has earned numerous other awards and accolades celebrating his impact and talent as an actor.

Vijay Thalapathy Public Image:

Vijay is widely regarded as a versatile actor, admired not only for his acting skills but also as a talented playback singer, dancer, and philanthropist, as described by News 18. His dance performances, praised for being energetic and effortless by The Times of India, have captivated audiences. His screen presence and acting have also garnered acclaim, with Zee Media noting his ability to amaze viewers with his performances.

Known as Thalapathy (meaning commander), Vijay has a vast and devoted fan base. In 2019, a wax statue of Vijay was installed in a museum in Kanyakumari. In 2023, Eastern Eye magazine ranked him #8 on its list of top global celebrities in Asia, making him the only Tamil actor to appear alongside Bollywood stars on the list.