In a world of nepotism, Vijay Sethupathi is the perfect example of how true talent prevails. Known as ‘Makkal Selvan’ (people’s man), Vijay is one of the most celebrated actors in the industry and is loved for his raw talent. The actor started his career as a background actor and did meagre roles. It was his love and passion for cinema, which made him try his hands at acting.
After doing supporting roles, Vijay Sethupathi rose to fame with his spectacular performances in films like Sundarapandian, Iraivi, Vikram Vedha, 96, Petta, Master, Jawan and Maharaja. Vijay’s role as a trans woman in Super Deluxe got him his first National Film Award. Though he is one of the most sought-after actors in the South Indian film industry, Vijay has seen his fair share of struggles.
Vijay Sethupathi worked as a salesman and phone booth operator
Vijay Sethupathi had a humble beginning and did many odd jobs for money. The actor worked as a salesman at a retail store, a cashier at a fast-food joint and a phone booth operator. After finishing college, Vijay moved to Dubai to work as an accountant as he had to take care of his three siblings.
Vijay Sethupathi was rejected in a film due to his short height
Vijay Sethupathi’s dedication towards his craft is commendable. He is currently one of the most loved stars and enjoys a huge fanbase. However, do you know Vijay was once rejected for a role? Yes, you read that right. The actor auditioned for the film, Nammavar in 1994. He was 16 at that time and was rejected due to his short height.
How did Vijay Sethupathi earn the title of ‘Makkal Selvan’ (people’s man)
Every popular actor has a title with which he/she is recognised. Similarly, Vijay Sethupathi is known by the title of ‘Makkal Selvan’. He was given the title by director, Seenu Ramasamy while working in the film, Dharmadurai. Why is the actor called ‘Makkal Selvan’? Well, during the shooting of a song from the film, Dharmadurai, Vijay reached the location before the crew.
While he waited for people to begin the shooting, the actor smelled tamarind rice, which was being cooked by the workers at a temple mutt nearby. Vijay sent his driver to ask them whether he could have some and they gave him a plate full of the tamarind rice. He also shared the rice with the director Seenu. Witnessing Vijay’s humble side, the latter gave him the title of ‘Makkal Selvan’ along with Rs. 500.
In an interview with Mashable India, Vijay revealed the reason behind becoming an actor, apart from his love for the same, the actor shared a very emotional reason and said:
“The aim is not to become a hero or a great actor, the aim is to buy a second hand apart and buy an old car and not to live with the tension of paying rent every month. I faced all these for many years but was trying to come out of it. “
Vijay Sethupathi revealed his only goal in life was to come out of poverty
Vijay Sethupathi is one of the highest paid actors currently. But there was a time when all he wanted was to get out of his poverty-stricken life. In an interview with Chai Bisket Shorts, when Vijay was asked whether he missed his life before working in films, the actor replied:
“I miss myself. There was a guy who was very innocent and didn’t have any dreams. He had no clue about what he was going to do in his life. I wasn’t good at sports or studies. I didn’t even have girlfriends as I was too shy and never spoke to them. But, he wanted to become big in life and do something bigger. However, he didn’t have any clue about how to do it. His only goal was to come out of poverty. That fellow was innocent. I miss myself.”
From doing odd jobs to finally becoming a superstar, Vijay Sethupathi is a testament to perseverance and hard work.
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