'Maharaja' actor Vijay Sethupathi explains why he still chases money despite over Rs 150 crore net worth, calls it 'basic, like food'

Actor Vijay Sethupathi is currently basking in the success of 'Gandhi Talks', a thriller movie receiving praises from audiences. In a recent conversation with Gulte Pro, Vijay Sethupathi revealed he still chases money and gave a brutal honest reply when asked about how his relationship with money has evolved over the years. “Money is ultimate. Everybody needs money. I have seen how people’s masks fall off for money. It gives security, and it brings happiness. My relationship with money hasn’t changed, I still chase it. I work hard and I do good work because only then will people pay me well. Otherwise, they won’t,” he said.

The actor, known for his work in Tamil cinema, has never pretended to be uncomfortable with the idea of money. Known for roles in movies like 'Vikram Vedha', 'Maharaja', 'Vikram, he has spoken candidly about financial insecurity as his greatest motivation, once admitting that what drove him to work was the desire to own a modest second-hand apartment, buy an old car, and live without the constant anxiety of paying rent at the end of every month.

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'Money is basic, like food'

Vijay Sethupathi, who now has a net worth of over Rs 140 crore, has experienced what years of knowing what financial uncertainty feels like. For him, money is basic, just like food and cannot be equated with work. When asked whether work or money brings him greater happiness, the actor replied, “Work gives more happiness. But we are comparing happiness with money, which is not right. Money is basic, like food. We need it for everything.”

“When you are concentrating on your work, and suddenly you surprise yourself with a thought or an idea, that feeling is something else. You discuss it with your director or co-actor, and sometimes entire scenes come from those moments. That gives immense happiness.”

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Vijay said that he derived happiness too when he worked as an accountant. “I felt the same happiness when I worked as an accountant and even when I worked at a telephone booth. Wherever you go, if you find happiness in your work, you are making yourself happy. I have always done that.”

What financial success has made possible for Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi has also emphasized how financial stability enables him to make a meaningful impact beyond his own comfort. For the past five to six years, he has been operating a free employment service, investing approximately ₹1.5 lakh each month. In addition, he runs a free clothing store where people can collect clothes without any charge.

“The happiness you get from work and the happiness money gives are different. With money, you can take care of your family. You can help people.” “By earning money, I can do all this. I can buy what I want, support people, and even produce films,” he said.

He also addressed the financial risks he has taken as a producer. “I have lost a lot of money in production. For some films, I returned my salary just so the film could release. It’s not only for me, it’s for everyone associated with the film.” “Chasing money is not wrong at all. How you chase it and what your intention is—that defines who you are,” the actor added.