Behind the effervescent smile and everyman persona, Vijay Sethupathi, the versatile actor from Tamil cinema, has made an indelible mark not just in the South but is swiftly capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation. As he celebrated another year of cinematic brilliance on his birthday, it is apt to revisit an instance that reflects not just his on-screen versatility but also his desire to break free from notions that oversimplify his off-screen image.
In the past year, Sethupathi’s role as the antagonist in Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated film ‘Jawan’ and his nuanced portrayal in Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Merry Christmas’, co-starring Katrina Kaif, have expanded his fan base into the Northern cinema sphere. Furthermore, his commendable performance in the Hindi web series ‘Farzi’ has only cemented his position as a pan-Indian artist.
Conversations around his work and personal insights intensified before the release of ‘Merry Christmas’, where Sethupathi confronted an entrenched perception—the label of simplicity that had been attached to him. During an illuminating conversation with Bollywood Hungama, he addressed a fan’s compliment about his perceived simplicity. “People say that [I am simple]. It’s not accurate,” Sethupathi retorted, as he discussed his clothing choices, pointing out that comfort was his priority, not simplicity. His peach shirt, although appearing casual, he revealed, was an expensive choice made in pursuit of comfort.
The label of being a simple man was something he was keen to dispense with. “If I feel at ease, I could even emulate James Bond,” Sethupathi added with a chuckle, making it clear that the comfort he sought was not a reflection of simplicity but a personal preference that had no bearing on his depth or complexity as a person.
His warmth extended towards his colleagues as well, especially while sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif. Embracing an opportunity he never imagined would come his way, Sethupathi expressed admiration for Kaif’s acting prowess and dedication. He appreciated her inquisitiveness and readiness to contribute to a scene’s enhancement, echoing respect for her thoughtfulness and adaptability. He opined that her longevity in the industry was not just attributed to her beauty but also her sense and intense dedication to her craft.
On a broader scale, Vijay Sethupathi’s journey from playing nuanced characters in Tamil cinema to donning roles that span a spectrum of emotions and complexities in Bollywood highlights an artist’s evolution and the recognition of talent beyond linguistic and regional confines. He stands as a testament to the art of storytelling that transcends boundaries and resonates with a universal audience.
As a seasoned actor, Sethupathi’s craft sweeps across the gamut of human emotions, exuding authenticity whether he’s embodying the gritty realism of a common man or the suave demeanor of a spy on-screen. With each project, he pulls the audiences deeper into the worlds he portrays, unfolding layers of characters that speak to his profound versatility.
In contrast to the false notion of a ‘simple man’, Sethupathi’s reality is imbued with the depths of the characters he essays, portraying not just the charm but also the challenges and complexities life offers. This candid conversation—discussing attire, perceptions, aspirations, and the recognition of a colleague’s intrinsic qualities—mirrors the myriad facets of Vijay Sethupathi, the actor, the man, and the ever-evolving artist.
Amidst the celebration of his cinematic journey, it is clear that Vijay Sethupathi’s label predominantly exists in the realm of his expansive artistry, leaving behind any temptation to compartmentalize his off-screen persona into a single word, simple or otherwise.
