From C. Joseph Vijay, to 'Ilayathalapathy', actor Vijay's journey to success with just 23 films is remarkable indeed. Equated with the biggest and most established names in the Tamil film industry today, twenty five year old Vijay ( born 22nd June 1974 ) entered films in 1992 under the direction of his father S. A. Chandrasekharan, a writer-producer-director of many years standing. His mother Shoba Sekhar is a singer, story writer and director too.

"I entered the industry without any struggle. Otherwise I may have had to approach several companies and scout for opportunities ", says Vijay with characteristic modesty. But his innate ability was also seeking an outlet from the very beginning. Being steeped in the world of film shooting, script reading sessions etc. since childhood, and watching movies as often as he could, Vijay's desire for acting in films for a vocation was natural. And yet, convincing his parents to let him take up acting was a struggle. " There was a big war at home and I won", says Vijay smilingly. With his mega success, he can have no regrets about dropping out of the coveted Visual Communication course at Loyola College. He was meant to communicate on an altogether larger scale.

The varied roles he has acted have brought out not only the facets of his acting ability but also the hold he has on the box office. Vijay made his debut as an action hero in 'Nalaya Theerpu'. Later, he scaled the heights effortlessly with ' Poove Unakkaga', 'Love Today', 'Nerukku Naer', 'Kaadalukku Mariyathai' and 'Thulladhamanamum Thullum'.

"Love stories and fun-loving, college student types of roles with commercial elements thrown in seemed to suit me ", says Vijay. It is these films that have earned him such a devoted following amongst youth, with the title 'Ilayathalapathy'( leader of youth ) crowning his popularity.

After ' Poove Unakkaga ' with director Vikraman, Vijay was offered films with different stories and themes. " I chose those kind of subjects with surprising endings and interesting fights" , he says. And the audience responded with avid interest in all the elements of his screen personality - fights, songs, and the underlying message - the whole package.

A mature and reticent individual ( his favourite place is his room at home ) Vijay has thought about his career in the years ahead, and realized that he can move on to other types of roles as the years change his appearance. He also listens to a lot of music, goes for editing, recording and composing sessions. The songs he has sung for films like 'Nilave Vaa' and 'Kaadhalukku Mariyaathai' have won him much acclaim.

For his fans, eager to know every small detail about him, Vijay is a loyal friend spending time often with friends Sajai, Srinath, Sanjeev, Manoj and Ramkumar.

People who spend time with him observe how he is a person of few words. A very important element of Vijay's personality is the importance and respect he gives his parents. He believes that whatever one's personal desires and wishes, parents' feelings and wishes must be given priority.

Aware of how films are powerful vehicles for social themes and messages, Vijay is careful to select films that convey appropriate messages to youth. This is clearly seen in films like 'Kaadhalukku Mariyadai', where parental love is seen to be higher than romance. In'Endrendrum Kaadhal' his role illustrates the need for a national identity, in the present circumstances of youth leaving the country in large numbers to study abroad, losing their culture. In 'Thulladhamanamum Thullum' he plays a blind girl's eyes, showing how an individual can rise above a handicap.

Having travelled often abroad, his favour ite places remain London and Los Angeles. He loves non vegetarian food and being comfortably clothed in jeans and T-Shirt. A strong believer, Vijay trusts in Mother Mary to guide him out of the difficult choices life presents.

This young man is well set to ride the crest of his present success, and move on to greater heights.

The biggest forthcoming event in his life is his wedding scheduled for August 1999. Watch this site for details.