4 minutes of readingNew DelhiJanuary 29, 2026 06:55 pm IST
Vijay Sethupathi He has never pretended to be uncomfortable with the idea of money. The actor has openly spoken about financial insecurity being his biggest motivator. At one point, he candidly admitted that his driving force for working was to own a second-hand apartment, buy an old car, and live without the constant pressure of paying rent at the end of each month. Now, more than 15 years into a career that has redefined success in Indian cinema, the actor reflected on how his relationship with money has evolved, why he still pursues it and why he should never be judged for doing so.
Vijay Sethupathi says he is still chasing money
In a conversation with Gulte Pro, when Vijay Sethupathi was asked how his equation with money has changed over the years, the actor was characteristically honest. “Money is the ultimate thing. Everyone needs money. I have seen how people’s masks fall off because of money. It gives security and brings happiness. My relationship with money has not changed, I still pursue it. I work hard and do a good job because only then will people pay me well. Otherwise, they won’t,” he said.
For Sethupathi, the pursuit of money is rooted in experience and survival, shaped by years of knowing what financial uncertainty feels like.
When asked if work or money brings him more 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.”
Vijay Sethupathi finds happiness in his work
What continues to excite Vijay Sethupathi the most is not the salary, but the work process itself. “When you are focused on your work and suddenly you are surprised by a thought or an idea, that feeling is something else. You discuss it with your director or co-actor, and sometimes entire scenes emerge from those moments. That gives immense happiness.”
He noted that this joy was not exclusive to the performance.
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“I felt the same happiness when I worked as an accountant and even when I worked in a phone booth. Wherever you go, if you find happiness in your work, you are making yourself happy. I always have.”
What financial success has this made possible for Vijay Sethupathi?
Vijay Sethupathi also highlighted the tangible impact that money allows you to create beyond personal comfort. “The happiness you get from work and the happiness you get from money are different. With money you can take care of your family. You can help people.”
For the last five-six years, the actor has been running a free employment service and spends around Rs 1.5 lakh every month. She also runs a free clothing store, where people can pick up clothes without paying.
“I can do all this by making money. I can buy what I want, support people and even produce movies,” he said.
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He also addressed the financial risks he has taken as a producer. “I have lost a lot of money in production. In some films, I gave back my salary just so I could release the film. It’s not just for me, it’s for everyone associated with the film.”
“Chasing money is not bad at all. How you pursue it and what your intention is, that defines who you are,” the actor added.
Vijay Sethupathi will next be seen in Gandhi Talks along with Arvind SwamyAditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth Jadhav. The film is directed by Kishore P. Bekal and is scheduled to release in theaters on January 30.