Tamil superstar once worked as an accountant in Dubai earning Rs 33,000 per month, also distributed pamphlets on roads. Today, his net worth is Rs 150 crore

Many actors leave their high-paying corporate jobs to chase their dreams in the film industry, but only a few manage to truly make it big. One such inspiring journey is that of Vijay Sethupathi. Known today as one of the most versatile performers in Tamil cinema, the actor has built a strong reputation for stealing the spotlight with every role he takes on. However, his journey to stardom was far from easy.

Vijay Sethupathi's journey from accountant to Tamil superstar

Before entering the world of films, Vijay Sethupathi worked as an accountant in Dubai in the early 2000s. At the time, he was reportedly earning around Dh1,300 per month, which roughly translates to about Rs 33,000. While the job offered stability, the salary was not enough to support his family back home. To make ends meet, he had to take up additional part-time work alongside his regular job.

In a 2024 interview with Gulf News, the actor recalled his struggles during those days. The Jawan actor shared that he would distribute advertising pamphlets on the streets, particularly along Sheikh Zayed Road, just to earn some extra income. He also mentioned that he would constantly look for small jobs wherever possible to manage his expenses and send money home.



Looking back at that phase of life, Vijay explained that he had moved to Dubai with the intention of earning money, but soon realised that survival itself was a challenge. He added that he would approach people for any kind of part-time work available, as his monthly earnings, even with allowances, were not sufficient for his needs. These experiences, he has often said, taught him resilience and the importance of hard work.

Despite the struggles, Vijay Sethupathi eventually decided to leave his job and return to India to follow his passion for acting. It was not an easy decision, as he had no strong backing in the film industry. However, his determination paid off over time as he slowly carved a niche for himself with unique roles and powerful performances.


Over the years, the actor has appeared in more than 50 films across multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam. Some of his most notable works include Pizza, Vikram Vedha, 96, and Jawan. His ability to take on diverse characters has earned him widespread appreciation from both audiences and critics.

One of the biggest highlights of his career came when he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Super Deluxe.

Vijay Sethupathi's net worth

Today, Vijay Sethupathi is among the highest-paid actors in the industry, with a reported net worth of around Rs 150 crore. From struggling to survive in a foreign country to becoming a celebrated star, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. He was recently seen in Gandhi Talks and is also working on upcoming projects like Farzi Season 2.

Besides this, Vijay Sethupathi is set to play a police officer in Arasan, directed by Vetrimaaran and starring Silambarasan TR. The film, which expands the Vada Chennai universe, is currently being shot in Chennai and is expected to release around Diwali. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film has high expectations.
Vijay Sethupathi’s story is a reminder that success often comes after years of struggle and perseverance.