Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi is a versatile National Award-winning Indian actor known as 'Makkal Selvan', born on 16 January 1978 in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu. He rose from ordinary jobs and theatre to acclaim in Vikram Vedha, 96 and Super Deluxe, and has crossed into Hindi cinema.

Vijay Sethupathi is one of Indian cinema's most versatile and beloved actors, affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (the people's man). Born on 16 January 1978 in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, he rose from years of ordinary jobs and background theatre work to become a National Film Award-winning star, celebrated for the naturalism and range he brings to unconventional roles. He has also expanded into Hindi cinema and web series. This page covers the Vijay Sethupathi biography, his age, career, wife and net worth.

Before films, Vijay Sethupathi's life was a long struggle. He took on a string of jobs to make ends meet — working as a retail salesman, a fast-food cashier, a phone-booth operator, and even as an accountant in Dubai — before returning to Chennai to chase his dream of acting.

Inspired after coming across a poster of the celebrated theatre troupe Koothu-P-Pattarai, he joined the group, initially handling accounts and performing small background roles. This grounding in stagecraft shaped the understated, lived-in acting style he later became known for.

He studied at MGR Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam, Chennai, and completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Chennai.

The Vijay Sethupathi career moved from uncredited background appearances to his first lead role in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010). His breakthrough year was 2012, when Sundarapandian, Pizza and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom established him as a fresh, credible leading man.

He built a reputation for fearless choices in films like Vikram Vedha (2017), 96 (2018), Super Deluxe and Master, winning the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Super Deluxe. Director Seenu Ramasamy gave him the enduring nickname "Makkal Selvan".

He also runs his own banner, Vijay Sethupathi Productions, and has crossed over to Hindi projects, including the web series Farzi and the film Merry Christmas, broadening his national appeal.

Vijay Sethupathi married his longtime partner Jessie in 2003, well before his rise to stardom, and the couple have two children, a daughter and a son. Known for his humility and down-to-earth image, he is popular with fans and colleagues alike, and he once stepped back from a film project after his family received threats. He enjoys singing and writing in his spare time.

Reliable net-worth figures for Vijay Sethupathi are not consistently published, so no fixed number should be treated as confirmed. His income comes from acting fees across Tamil and Hindi cinema, film production through his own banner, and endorsements. Having become one of the most sought-after actors in South Indian cinema, he commands a strong fee for lead and character roles alike.