Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known as Vijay, was born on June 22, 1974 (50 Years Old), in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His hit movies and huge fan base have made him one of the highest-paid actors in India. This success has added a lot to his net worth.
Vijay grew up in a film family and was around cinema from a young age. He started as a child actor and later took on lead roles at 18. Before long, he became a popular name in Tamil movies.
With action films and strong performances, Vijay has gained millions of fans. They call him Thalapathy (Commander) out of love and respect. His career, popularity, and net worth continue to grow, keeping him among the top stars in Indian cinema.
Want to know more about his wiki, personal life, education, and career? Keep reading for the full story!
Wiki
| Full Name | Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor, Producer and Singer |
| Famous As | Actor |
| Nick Name | Ilayathalapthy |
| Date of Birth | 22 June 1974 |
| Age | 50 Years Old |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Chennai, India |
| Hometown | Chennai, India |
| Country | India |
| Mother Tongue | Tamil |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hobbies | Stunts, dancing and singing |
| Food Habits | Non-Vegetarian |
| Educational Qualification | Dropout |
| School Name | Yet To Update |
| College/University | Loyola College, Chennai |
| Debut | Naalaya Theerpu (1992) |
Family
Vijay’s father, S. A. Chandrasekhar, is a filmmaker, and his mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, is a singer. Vijay had a sister named Vidhya, but she passed away when she was two years old.
| Father Name | S. A. Chandrasekhar (Filmmaker) |
|---|---|
| Mother Name | Shoba Chandrasekhar (Singer) |
| Brother Name | None |
| Sister Name | None |
Physical Appearance
Vijay is about 178 cm (5 feet 10 inches) tall and weighs around 73 kg (161 lbs). His body measurements include a 38-inch chest, a 29-inch waist, and a 14-inch biceps. He has brown eyes and black hair.
| Height (Approx.) | in centimeters – 178 cm in meters – 1.78 m in feet inches – 5’ 10” |
|---|---|
| Weight (Approx.) | in kilograms – 73 kg in pounds – 161 lbs |
| Body Measurements | – Chest: 38 Inches – Waist: 29 Inches – Biceps: 14 Inches |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Relationship Status
Vijay is married to Sangeetha Sornalingam. The couple has two children, a son named Jason Sanjay and a daughter named Divya Saasha.
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Sangeetha Sornalingam |
| Children | Daughter– Divya Saasha Son– Jason Sanjay |
Vijay Career
Vijay started his career as a child actor and later became one of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema. With many blockbuster films, he is one of the highest-paid actors in India. In 2024, he entered politics by launching his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Film Career
Vijay has been a part of Tamil cinema for over three decades. He started as a child actor and later became one of the biggest stars in the industry. His movies have broken many box office records, making him one of the highest-paid actors in India.
Child Actor (1984–1991)
Vijay started acting at the age of 10 in the Tamil film Vetri (1984). He then appeared in several other films as a child artist, including Kudumbam (1984) and Ithu Engal Neethi (1988). He even acted alongside Rajinikanth in Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985).
Lead Roles (1992–1999)
At 18, Vijay played his first lead role in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992). He then starred in several films like Senthoorapandi, Rasigan, and Deva, which helped him gain popularity. His breakthrough came with Poove Unakkaga (1996), making him a well-known actor.
During this period, he acted in many hit films, including Kadhalukku Mariyadhai and Thulladha Manamum Thullum, which further cemented his place in the industry.
Becoming a Star (2000–2010)
The 2000s saw Vijay taking on bigger films. He delivered hits like Kushi, Priyamaanavale, and Friends. In 2004, Ghilli became the first Tamil film to cross INR 50 crore at the domestic box office. He continued his success with movies like Thirupaachi and Pokkiri.
In 2007, he played a dual role for the first time in Azhagiya Tamil Magan. While some of his films performed moderately, he remained one of the highest-paid actors. His 50th film, Sura (2010), marked an important milestone in his career.
Reaching New Heights (2011–2019)
In 2011, Kaavalan became a major success, even gaining recognition in China. That same year, Velayudham became a top-grossing film.
In 2012, he starred in Nanban, a remake of 3 Idiots, which performed well at the box office.
Later, Thuppakki (2012) became his highest-grossing film at the time. He continued his success with Jilla and Kaththi in 2014. His film Mersal (2017) was a major hit.
His 2019 film Bigil was a sports drama that became a huge success.
Blockbuster Success (2020–Present)
In 2021, Master, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, became one of the top-grossing films of the year. His next film, Beast (2022), received mixed reviews but performed well in international markets.
In 2023, Varisu and Leo became massive hits, with Leo crossing INR 450 crore. His latest sci-fi film, The Greatest of All Time, also performed well.
Final Film and Political Move
In February 2024, Vijay announced that his upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, would be his last as a lead actor. After that, he plans to focus on politics through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Vijay’s Political Career
Vijay has always been more than just an actor. Over the years, he has shown a deep interest in social issues and public welfare. His journey from running a fan club to launching his political party shows his commitment to making a difference.
Launch of Fan Club (2009)
In 2009, Vijay started a fan club called Vijay Makkal Iyakkam. It was not just a regular fan club but also focused on social work and community service.
First Political Involvement (2011)
In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam supported the AIADMK alliance, marking his first step into politics.
Success in Local Elections (2021)
In October 2021, members of his fan club contested in Tamil Nadu’s local body elections. They won 115 out of the 169 seats they contested, showing strong public support.
Formation of Political Party (2024)
On February 2, 2024, Vijay officially announced his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Analysts believe TVK could expand beyond Tamil Nadu and influence politics in other states.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
Vijay opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, stating that it could disturb the religious and social harmony of India.
Awards & Recognitions
Vijay has received many awards for his performances in Tamil cinema. Over the years, he has won several Best Actor titles and has also been recognized for his singing. Below is a list of his awards and nominations.
| Year | Award Name | Category | Film | Result |
| 1997 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actor | Kadhalukku Mariyadhai | Winner |
| 2012 | Edison Awards India | Best Actor | Velayudham | Winner |
| 2013 | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Actor | Thuppakki | Winner |
| 2015 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor (Tamil) | Kaththi | Nominee |
| Vijay Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Kaththi | Winner | |
| Vijay Awards | Favorite Hero | Kaththi | Nominee | |
| Vijay Awards | Best Actor | Kaththi | Nominee | |
| 2016 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Male Playback Singer (Yaendi Yaendi) | Puli | Nominee |
| 2017 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor (Tamil) | Theri | Nominee |
| 2018 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor (Tamil) | Mersal | Nominee |
| Vijay Awards | Favorite Hero | Mersal | Winner | |
| Vijay Awards | Best Actor | Mersal | Nominee | |
| Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Actor | Mersal | Winner | |
| National Film Awards, UK | Best Supporting Actor | Mersal | Nominee | |
| 2019 | Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor (Tamil) | Sarkar | Nominee |
| SIIMA | Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tamil) | Sarkar | Nominee | |
| 2020 | SIIMA | Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tamil) | Bigil | Nominee |
| Zee Cine Awards Tamil | Favorite Hero | Bigil | Winner | |
| 2022 | SIIMA | Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tamil) | Master | Nominee |
| Edison Awards India | Mass Hero | Beast | Nominee | |
| Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, India | Favorite Movie Actor (South) | Master | Nominee | |
| 2023 | SIIMA | Best Playback Singer – Male (Arabic Kuthu) | Beast | Nominee |
| Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, India | Favorite Movie Actor (South) | Beast | Nominee | |
| 2024 | SIIMA | Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tamil) | Leo | Nominee |
| International Iconic Awards | Best Actor – Critics | Varisu | Nominee | |
| International Iconic Awards | Best Actor | Leo | Nominee |
Controversies
Vijay has faced several controversies throughout his career, mainly related to politics, films, and personal matters. Some of these incidents sparked debates in the media and among his fans. Below is a list of his notable controversies.
| Date | Controversy | Details |
| February 2020 | Income Tax Raid | Authorities raided Vijay’s residence during the filming of “Master,” investigating potential tax evasion. The raid disrupted production but concluded with officials stating Vijay had paid all due taxes. |
| September 2021 | Lawsuit Against Parents | Vijay filed a civil lawsuit against 11 individuals, including his parents, to restrain them from using his name for political purposes without his consent. |
| January 2023 | Divorce Rumors | Speculation arose about Vijay’s marital status after unverified changes to a film’s Wikipedia page suggested a separation. These rumours were later debunked as baseless. |
Net Worth & Salary
Vijay has a net worth of around $68.81 million (INR 600 crore). He owns a beautiful seaside bungalow in Chennai and a collection of luxury cars. Every year, he earns INR 100-120 crore from films and brand endorsements. The information about his salary is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in USD (Approx.) | $68.81 Million |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Indian Rupees (Approx.) | ₹600 Crore |
| Salary in Indian Rupees (Approx.) | ₹100 Crore |
| Car & Bike Collection | BMW X5, Toyota Innova, BMW X6, Nissan X-Trail, Audi A8, and Mini Cooper S, Rolls Royce |
| Income Source | Acting, Brand Endorsement, Filmmaking |
Social Media Handles
| @actorvijay | |
| @ActorVijay | |
| @actorvijay |
Thalapathy Vijay Songs Lyrics
Interesting Facts About Vijay
- Besides acting, Vijay is also known for his singing abilities.
- Instead of celebrating his birthday in hotels, he prefers social work and provides free books to economically weak students.
- Since childhood, Vijay has had a strong belief in God.
- He is a good friend of South superstars Vikram and Surya.
- Vijay was awarded the “Doctor Honoris Causa” by Dr. MGR University.
- While studying in college, he used to perform in various dance competitions.
FAQs
Is Vijay’s mother Hindu?
Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, is Hindu.
What is Vijay height?
Vijay’s height is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
What is the religion of Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay?
Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay practices Christianity.
What is the age of Vijay?
Vijay is a 50 Years Old.
What is the net worth of singer Vijay?
Vijay has a net worth of around $68.81 million (INR 600 crore).