From odd jobs in Chennai and Dubai to facing countless rejections, Vijay Sethupathi’s journey to becoming ‘Makkal Selvan’ showcases patience, talent, and excellence in cinema.
New Delhi: On January 16, 2026, Vijay Sethupathi celebrates his 48th birthday. In an industry often defined by polished stars and family legacies, Vijay (or “VJS” as fans call him) stands out as the ultimate “everyman.” He didn’t just break into the industry; he knocked on doors for years until they had no choice but to let him in.
Today, we know him as Makkal Selvan (People’s Treasure), but his journey is a masterclass in why you should never give up on a “below-average” start.
From pocket money to paychecks
Born in Rajapalayam and raised in Chennai, Vijay wasn’t a child prodigy. By his own admission, he was a “below-average” student who didn’t care much for sports or the spotlight. At 16, he tried to land a tiny role in the film Nammavar, only to be rejected because he was “too short.”
But life didn’t give him much time to dwell on rejection. As the eldest brother with a family to support, he rolled up his sleeves and took whatever work he could find. He sold clothes at retail stores, flipped burgers at fast-food joints, and even operated a phone booth—all while just trying to keep his head above water.
The Dubai years and a leap of faith
Looking for better pay, Vijay moved to Dubai to work as an accountant, where he spent three years handling spreadsheets and balance sheets. Despite the stability, his heart was never fully in the work. Eventually, he returned to Chennai, experimented with interior design—which didn’t work out—and soon found himself back in accounting, this time with the Koothu-P-Pattarai theatre group.
He joined the group not as a performer but to manage finances and keep the books in order. Yet, while sitting quietly at the back during rehearsals, something began to shift. Watching the actors closely, he started noticing how they moved, spoke, and expressed emotion on stage. For more than five years, he remained in the background, appearing briefly in blink-and-you’ll-miss-them roles in films like Pudhupettai. Stardom was still far away—he was simply someone who chose to stay in the room and keep learning.
Becoming the “People’s treasure”
Everything changed in 2010 with Thenmerku Paruvakaatru. Director Seenu Ramasamy saw something in Vijay’s grounded, natural energy. Later, while filming Dharmadurai, Ramasamy gave him the title Makkal Selvan. Why? Because even as he became famous, Vijay stayed the same guy who would show up to a movie set on a beat-up scooter and share a meal with the crew.
2012 was the “Big Bang” for his career. With a trio of hits—Pizza, Sundarapandian, and the cult classic Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom—he proved he wasn’t just an actor; he was a chameleon.
A legend who stays grounded
Fast forward to today, and Vijay Sethupathi is a pan-Indian powerhouse. Whether he’s playing a trans woman in Super Deluxe (which earned him a National Award), a terrifying villain in Vikram Vedha and Jawan, or the lead in the massive hit Maharaja, he picks roles that challenge the status quo.
What makes him a legend at 48 isn’t just his filmography—it’s the fact that he still carries the lessons from those odd jobs in Chennai and Dubai. He reminds us that success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how long you’re willing to stay in the race.
