Joseph Vijay
Early Life and Background
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, born on June 22, 1974, in Madras, Tamil Nadu, embarked on his acting career at a tender age. Son of film director S. A. Chandrasekhar and playback singer Shoba Chandrasekhar, Vijay was exposed to the cinema world early on. Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his sister Vidhya at a young age, Vijay found solace and expression in acting, debuting as a child actor in the Tamil film Vetri (1984) when he was just 10 years old.
Transition to Lead Roles
After several roles as a child actor, Vijay's first lead role came with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992),directed by his father. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw him starring in over 65 films. Notable early successes include Poove Unakkaga (1996) and Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997),which earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan following.
Commercial Success and Stardom
Vijay's career soared with films such as Ghilli (2003),the first Tamil film to gross over ₹500 million, and continued with hits like Thuppakki (2012) and Mersal (2017). His versatility and charisma helped establish him as one of Tamil cinema's leading actors, earning him the nickname 'Thalapathy' (Commander).
Philanthropy and Recognition
Aside from his film career, Vijay is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his fan association. His contributions to social welfare and the film industry were recognized with a Doctorate in 2007 by the Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute. Vijay has also been featured in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list multiple times, highlighting his influence and success.
Political Aspirations
In February 2024, Vijay announced his retirement from films and his entry into politics, founding the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party. This new chapter signifies his commitment to leveraging his popularity and resources for the betterment of society.
