Vijay Sethupathi - Makkal Selvan
Biography
Early Life / Childhood
Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu, professionally known as Vijay Sethupathi (born 16 Jan 1979), and born and raised in Rajapalayam until he moved to Chennai in his early school days. He lived in Kodambakkam located in Chennai. He studied at the MGR Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam. According to him, he was a "below-average student right from school" and was neither interested in sports nor extra-curricular activities. At the age of 16, he auditioned for a role in Nammavar (1994), but was rejected due to his short height.
As a Youth
He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Chennai. He first joined as an accounts assistant at a wholesale cement business. He then moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates as an accountant. While in Dubai, he met his future-wife, Jessie, online. The two dated and eventually married in 2003.
Odd Jobs / Uncertain times
Unhappy with his job, he returned to India in 2003. After a brief stint in the interior decoration business with friends, he joined a marketing company that dealt with readymade kitchens. He Subsequently joined as accountant in the Chennai based theatre group “Koothupattarai” for his survival and to continue is acting career, where had the opportunity to observe the actors from close quarters.
Foray into Films
He recalled director Balu Mahendra’s remark about him that he had a "very photogenic face", which motivated him to pursue an acting career. He started his film career working as a background actor, playing minor supporting roles for over five years, in films M Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi, Dishyum, Pudhupettai, Lee, Venila Kabadi Kuzhu, Naan Mahan Illah,-, TV Series-Penn and short films Athiyayam, Neer, Thuru, Wind, Maa Thavam, Kadhalithu Paar, The Angel, Bench Talkies, Petti Case,before playing his first lead role in Seenu Ramasamy's ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’ (2010). He went on to play the villain role in ‘Sundarapandian’ (2012), and got his breakthrough roles with the films ‘Pizza’ (2012), and ‘Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom’ (2012). After this he became the most sought after actor in Indian film industry, with his 16+ industrious-years of experience.
Family
They have two children, a son Surya and a daughter Shreeja. He named his son Surya in the remembrance of his friend who died during his school days. Surya made his acting debut playing the younger version of Sethupathi in ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’ (2015). Surya appeared with his father again in ‘Sindhubaadh’ (2019).
Foray into Films
He started his film career working as a background actor, playing minor supporting roles for over five years, in films M Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi, Dishyum, Pudhupettai, Lee, Venila Kabadi Kuzhu, Naan Mahan Illah,-, TV Series-Penn and short films Athiyayam, Neer, Thuru, Wind, Maa Thavam, Kadhalithu Paar, The Angel, Bench Talkies, Petti Case,before playing his first lead role in Seenu Ramasamy's ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’(Action/Drama) (2010) Which won THREE National awards. He went on to play the villain role in ‘Sundarapandian’(2012), and got his breakthrough roles with the films ‘Pizza’(Horror/Thriller)(2012), and ‘Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom’(Comedy)(2012) and ‘Soodhu Kavvum’(Comedy/Thiller)(2013). After this he became the most sought after actor in Indian film industry, with his 16+ industrious-years of experience.
Early Life / Childhood
Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu, professionally known as Vijay Sethupathi (born 16 Jan 1979), and born and raised in Rajapalayam until he moved to Chennai in his early school days. He studied at the MGR Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam. According to him, he was a "below-average student right from school" and was neither interested in sports nor extra-curricular activities. At the age of 16 he went to act as a junior artist in Nammavar (1994), but was rejected due to his short height.
As a Youth
He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Dhanraj Baid Jain College, Chennai. He first joined as an accounts assistant at a wholesale cement business. He then moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates as an accountant.
Odd Jobs / Uncertain times
Unhappy with his job, he returned to India in 2003. After which he got married (Ms.Jessi). A brief stint in the interior decoration business with friends, he joined a marketing company that dealt with readymade kitchens. He Subsequently joined as accountant in the Chennai based theatre group “Koothupattarai” for his survival and to continue is acting career, where had the opportunity to observe the actors from close quarters.
Family
They have two children, a son Surya and a daughter Shreeja. He named his son Surya in the remembrance of his friend who died during his school days.
As a Writer
He wrote dialogues for his film Orange Mittai (2015).
