Vijay Sethupathi's journey in the film industry began with a stint as a background actor, taking on minor supporting roles in various films including M Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi, Dishyum, Pudhupettai, Lee, Venila Kabadi Kuzhu, Naan Mahan Illah, and several short films. For over five years, he honed his craft, gradually moving on to more significant roles.
His breakthrough came with Seenu Ramasamy's Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010),an action-drama that won three National Awards. He then showcased his versatility by playing a villain in Sundarapandian (2012),followed by notable performances in Pizza (2012),Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012),and Soodhu Kavvum (2013).
Born Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu on January 16, 1979, in Rajapalayam, Vijay Sethupathi grew up in a small town before moving to Chennai during his early school years. He attended MGR Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam, where he was a below-average student with little interest in sports or extracurricular activities.
Despite initial setbacks, Vijay Sethupathi's persistence in pursuing acting eventually led to a successful career. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dhanraj Baid Jain College in Chennai and worked as an accounts assistant before moving to Dubai, UAE, where he continued his work as an accountant.
Unfulfilled with his job in Dubai, Sethupathi returned to India in 2003, where he got married to Ms. Jessi. He briefly ventured into the interior decoration business with friends before joining a marketing company dealing with readymade kitchens. However, his passion for acting led him to take up a job as an accountant with the Chennai-based theatre group Koothupattarai.
Vijay Sethupathi is married to Jessi and they have two children, Surya and Shreeja. He named his son Surya in honor of his late school friend, who passed away during their school days.
In addition to acting, Sethupathi has also explored his creative side as a writer and lyricist. He penned the dialogues for his film Orange Mittai (2015) and is set to turn lyricist with Raju Jeyamohan's Bun Butter Jam.
