Celebrated Tamil actor and producer Vijay Sethupathi, affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), turns 48 today, January 16, 2026. Known for his versatility and grounded persona, Sethupathi has become one of the most sought-after actors in Indian cinema, appearing in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.
Born Vijaya Gurunatha Sethupathi Kalimuthu on January 16, 1978, in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, his journey to stardom was not conventional. Before gracing the silver screen, he held various jobs, including a stint as an accountant in Dubai. His passion for acting led him to pursue minor roles, eventually landing his first lead role in the 2010 film Thenmerku Paruvakaatru.
Sethupathi's breakthrough came in 2012 with films like Sundarapandian, Pizza, and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, establishing him as a prominent talent. He further solidified his position with critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies such as Soodhu Kavvum (2013), Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013), Vikram Vedha (2017), and '96 (2018). His ability to portray diverse characters, from comedic roles to complex and grounded individuals, has earned him widespread recognition. For his compelling performance as a trans woman in Super Deluxe (2019), he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
As of early 2026, Vijay Sethupathi's net worth is estimated to be around ₹200 crore. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful acting career and production ventures. He reportedly charges ₹15 crore per film and earns approximately ₹50 lakh from brand endorsements. Sethupathi owns a luxury bungalow in Chennai valued at around ₹50 crore, along with other properties in Kilpauk and Ennore. His car collection includes a Mercedes G350D and a BMW 7 Series, reflecting his taste for elegance and simplicity.
Vijay Sethupathi's upcoming projects include a cameo appearance in Jailer 2, scheduled for release on June 12, 2026. He expressed his admiration for Rajinikanth as the reason for accepting this special role. Other upcoming films include Gandhi Talks, a silent comedy film, and Arasan, a crime drama set in the Vada Chennai universe. He is also slated to star alongside Kamal Haasan and Shivarajkumar in H. Vinoth's untitled action movie, tentatively scheduled for a 2026 release.
Throughout his career, Vijay Sethupathi has delivered memorable performances in films like Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, Dharma Durai, Iraivi, Master, Vikram, Jawan, and Maharaja. His commitment to experimenting with diverse roles and his ability to connect with audiences have solidified his place as one of the leading actors in the Indian film industry. As he steps into his 48th year, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming projects and the continued success of "Makkal Selvan."
