Faced body-shaming, get ‘conscious’ attending events: Vijay Sethupathi

Actor Vijay Sethupathi is awaiting the release of the much-anticipated Sriram Raghavan film, ‘Merry Christmas’, which also stars Katrina Kaif.

An established superstar down South with an impressive body of work, Vijay has forayed into the world of Hindi cinema with the web series ‘Farzi’, his first OTT release created by the writer-producer-director duo Raj and DK and the movie ‘Jawan’, where he played the antagonist.

The down-to-earth actor, now a favourite among Hindi cinema audiences, has been relishing the admiration and praise that is coming his way.

Applauded for defying the established norms of a typical appearance for a Hindi film actor with his authentic and relatable looks, Vijay revealed that the recent admiration for his appearance serves as an 'energy drink' for him. Yet, he recalls a time when he faced body-shaming.

“Main aisa hi tha, body shaming bohot kiya tha mujhe (I have faced a lot of body-shaming for the way I look). Wahaan bhi kiya tha (they also did it). It happened, but the good thing is that people accept you the way who you are. Today wherever I go, I am accepted, it is a blessing. (It’s all) thanks to my audience that I am happy being myself. I didn’t expect this, I didn’t…” the actor says.

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Vijay during an interview with Indian Express, also revealed that he was very conscious of what he’s wearing because he has a habit of showing up in “chappals” at high-profile Bollywood functions, get-togethers and meetings.

The actor admits that this constant scrutiny about his choice of simple and casual attire affects him, making him self-conscious about his modest fashion choices.

“If I go to functions, I see people dressed up really well, and I get really conscious. So mostly I try to avoid going for get-togethers and meetings generally, otherwise, I am comfortable,” he says.

He chuckles when reminded of his fan following. Vijay says he’s being recognised more and the love he receives from his fans gives him proof he is moving in the “right direction.”

“I believe fans are fans and their love is so true. Receiving love from fans is like an energy drink. When people love you, it gives you hope that your work has reached people and they have understood and they really like your work. That’s what I understood from the fan clubs. That always gives me energy,” he says.

Regarding Bollywood plans, Vijay says that he doesn’t have any plans but aims for commercial success to attract producers. The actor also said that his focus is on making hit films that resonate with a wide audience, prioritizing viewership over personal preferences in story selection.

Vijay says that he appreciates the unpredictability of the Hindi film industry, emphasizing the joy of being surprised when plans unfold. Citing examples from Tamil films like Super Deluxe, 96, and Vikram Vedha, he downplays the need for expectations.

“I don’t think I should have expectations, the only expectation that I really have is that whatever story I do, it should entertain the audience and I can impress them,” he concluded.

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