Ahead of the expected blockbuster, let's revisit how the actor-turned-politician embarked on his film journey (Image: Instagram @actorvijay)
‘Thalapathi Vijay’ the one who stole the film enthusiasts’ hearts with his versatility and politeness is back again with his masterpiece movie ‘GOAT‘ scheduled to release on Thursday, September 5th. Ahead of the expected blockbuster, let’s revisit how the actor-turned-politician embarked on his film journey and later achieved tremendous success in his career.
Joseph Vijay Chandrashekar alias Thalapathy Vijay started his film jaunt at the age of 7 through his debut Tamil movie ‘Vetri’ and shined as a child artist acting in movies such as ‘Kudumbam’ (1984), ‘Naan Sigappu Manithan’ (1985), “Vasantha Raagam’ (1986), ‘Sattam Oru Vilaiyattu’ (1987), and ‘Ithu Engal Neethi’ (1988).
It continued until he focused on his studies joining Loyola College in Chennai. While he was studying in college, he used to perform in various dance competitions during the college fest. He used to perform Michael Jackson’s songs and swiftly learnt all of his famous dance moves. However, he dropped his Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications to become an actor in Tollywood.
Later, in the 1990s, he acted in several movies including Deva, Poove Unakkaga, Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen and Thulladha Manamum Thullum and Minsaa Kanna further lifted his acting profile to the next level. He has worked as a producer in a few Tamil films as well, including Nanbargal (1991) and Innisai Mazhai (1992). Apart from acting and producing, he has proved his skill as he lent his voice to many Tamil songs which later turned out to be hits and people still hear them on a loop. Songs like “Kaalathuketha Oru Gana” from Velai, “Kutti Story” from Master and “Naa Ready” from Leo are some among them.
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He has been a part of 66 Tamil movies including the upcoming GOAT (2024), Vettaikaran (2009), Thuppaki (2012), Mersal (2017), Master (2021) and Leo (2023). Coming to his family background he is smitten with love with a college-going girl Sangeetha who he met during his debut movie release and tied the knot later.
In 2009, he stepped into social work and welfare activities laying the stone for a foundation Vijay Makkal Ilayakam. The organisation directly supported the AIADMK political alliance in the assembly election in 2011. In the same year, he started an anti-corruption movement begun by the political leader Anna Hazare which further proved his interest and commitment to Indian politics.
He was also featured in Forbes during 2012-13 as one of the most influential celebrities in India and also appeared in various TV commercials including Coco-Cola, Chennai Super Kings, Sunfeast and Tata Docomo. He has a huge fan base in India and in several other countries like the UK< China, Japan and France. His movies have been released in more than 80 countries in the world.
In 2024, he formed his political party “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’ destined to serve common people in Tamil Nadu. According to rumours, GOAT is considered his last movie since he entered into politics and pondered on social welfare rather than acting in cinema.
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