JOSEPH VIJAY
Actor | Dancer | Playback Singer
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay or Thalapathy Vijay, is one of the most influential actors in Tamil cinema. Born on 22nd June 1974 in Chennai, he is the son of veteran filmmaker S. A. Chandrasekhar and playback singer Shoba Chandrasekhar. He began acting at a young age, making his debut as a child actor in the film Vetri (1984). His first lead role came in Naalaiya Theerpu (1992), but his major breakthrough arrived with the hit Poove Unakkaga (1996), which established him as a romantic hero. Vijay's career evolved steadily, and by the early 2000s, he transformed into a full-fledged mass hero with action-packed entertainers like Ghilli (2004), Thirupaachi, and Pokkiri. These roles showcased his versatile acting, dynamic screen presence, and extraordinary dance skills, making him a fan favorite across South India. Known for portraying characters that stand up against social evils and injustice, Vijay has built a strong connection with the public through his films like Thuppakki, Kaththi, Mersal, Sarkar, Master, Beast, and Leo. His recent projects, including The Greatest of All Time and the upcoming Jana Nayagan, have continued to dominate the box office. Apart from acting, Vijay is also a talented playback singer and has contributed his voice to numerous hit songs. He is widely recognized not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his humility and philanthropic activities. Through his fan club, Vijay Makkal Iyakkam, he has supported social welfare programs, education, disaster relief, and healthcare initiatives. In 2024, Vijay entered politics by founding his own party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with a mission centered around social justice and development. He announced that he would retire from acting after Jana Nayagan to focus fully on his political career. Vijay's popularity goes beyond Tamil Nadu, reaching Tamil-speaking audiences around the world. With a massive fan base, numerous awards, including a state honor (Kalaimamani), and a doctorate from MGR University, he remains a beloved cultural icon. Married to Sangeetha since 1999, Vijay has two children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Saasha. Despite his immense stardom, he is known for leading a relatively private and grounded personal life. Over the years, Vijay has not only become a box office king but also a symbol of hope and leadership for many aspiring youth, both as an actor and an emerging political leader.