Vijayaraghavan is a celebrated Indian actor known for his remarkable contributions to Malayalam cinema. With a career spanning decades, he has earned a reputation for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters.
This blog post delves into his life, career, and achievements, offering readers an in-depth look at the man behind the screen.
Early Life and Upbringing
Vijayaraghavan was born on December 20, 1951, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to N. N. Pillai and Chinnamma. His father was a renowned playwright, actor, and director, while his mother was a homemaker who occasionally participated in theatrical productions. Vijayaraghavan grew up in Kottayam, Kerala, where he completed his education at Government Higher Secondary School Kudamaloor.
His upbringing was deeply influenced by his father’s artistic pursuits, which nurtured his passion for acting. Vijayaraghavan’s early exposure to drama and cinema played a pivotal role in shaping his aspirations to become an actor.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Narayanapillai Vijayaraghavan |
| Nickname | Vijayaraghavan |
| Alternative Names(s) | Vijayaraghavan |
| Date of Birth | December 20, 1951 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 73 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Hometown | Kottayam, Kerala |
| Current Address | Olassa, Kottayam, Kerala |
| Education Qualification | High School Graduate |
| Hobbies and Interests | Reading, Gardening |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Average |
| Body Measurements | 40-30-12 inches |
| Height | 5’9″, 175 cm |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Chest | 40 inche |
| Waist | 30 inche |
| Biceps | 12 inche |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short and neat |
| Distinctive Features | Expressive eyes |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Vijayaraghavan’s personal life is as inspiring as his professional journey. He is married to Anitha Vijayaraghavan, also known as Suma, and the couple has two sons.
Vijayaraghavan often credits his family for being his pillar of support throughout his career.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Anitha Vijayaraghavan (Suma) |
| Father | N. N. Pillai |
| Mother | Chinnamma (Kalyanikutti Amma) |
| Children | Jinadevan, Devadevan |
| Siblings | Sulochana, Renuka |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Anitha Vijayaraghavan |
| Significant Relationships | Anitha Vijayaraghavan |
Rise to Stardom
Vijayaraghavan made his acting debut in the Malayalam film Kaapalika (1973), which was based on his father’s play of the same name. His breakthrough came with the neo-noir action thriller New Delhi (1987), where he played the role of Ananthan. This performance marked a turning point in his career.
He gained further recognition for his portrayal of Ramji Rao in the comedy-thriller Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). The film’s success solidified his status as a sought-after actor in Malayalam cinema.
Vijayaraghavan – Selfie
Vijayaraghavan – Debut Film – Kaapaal Pada
Vijayaraghavan – Successful Film – Porinju Mariam Jose
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Vijayaraghavan’s career is adorned with numerous accolades and achievements. His dedication to his craft has earned him recognition and respect in the industry.
- Asianet Film Award for Best Character Actor (Porinju Mariam Jose).
- Kerala State Film Award for Special Jury Mention.
- Honored by various cultural forums for his contributions to cinema.
- Worked with acclaimed directors like G. Aravindan and Sathyan Anthikad.
- Starred alongside renowned actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor |
| Debut Film | Kaapaal Pada (1981) |
| Notable Roles | Chidambaram, Kaapaal Pada, Crime Branch |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Kaapaal Pada (2024), Crime Branch (2023) |
| Upcoming Films | Kaapaal Pada (2025) |
| Popular Television Series | Crime Branch, Kaavyanjali |
| Awards and Achievements | Kerala State Film Award |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/A |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Supports education initiatives |
| Professional Associations | Malayalam Film Industry |
| Training and Education | High School Graduate |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Kaapaal Pada, Crime Branch |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Chidambaram, Kaapaal Pada |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | 64.615 million US dollars |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | ast&Up extends sponsorship with Gokulam Kerala FC for fourth season. |
| Business Ventures | Urban Venture Labs |
| Investments | MahaGropoint Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. |
| Real Estate Holdings | Properties in Kerala |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Guest Houses |
| Cars Collection | Rolls Royce , Range Rover Evoque |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Mohanlal |
| Favorite Actress | Shobana |
| Favorite Film | Ramji Rao Speaking |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Football |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Food | Kerala Cuisine |
| Things he likes | Acting, Reading, Gardening |
| Things he dislikes | Dishonesty, Negativity |
Top 5 Best Films – Vijayaraghavan
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Ramji Rao Speaking | 1989 | Ramji Rao |
| New Delhi | 1987 | Ananthan |
| Porinju Mariam Jose | 2019 | Ittychan |
| Commissioner | 1994 | Mohammad Iqbal |
| C.I.D. Moosa | 2003 | D.I.G. Sathyanarayanan |
Controversies – Vijayaraghavan
- Criticism for his comments on the portrayal of violence in films.
- Allegations of creative differences with directors during film shoots.
- Backlash for remarks on modern hero portrayals in Malayalam cinema.
- Speculations about his political affiliations affecting his film choices.
- Controversy surrounding his absence from award ceremonies despite nominations.
Interesting Facts – Vijayaraghavan
- Vijayaraghavan is the son of N. N. Pillai, a legendary figure in Malayalam drama and cinema.
- He debuted in a film based on his father’s play, Kaapalika.
- His role in Ramji Rao Speaking inspired remakes in multiple languages, including Hera Pheri in Hindi.
- Vijayaraghavan is multilingual and fluent in Malayalam and English.
- He has a keen interest in gardening and reading.
- Despite his fame, he remains grounded and values his privacy.
Vijayaraghavan’s journey from a young boy with a passion for acting to a celebrated actor in Indian cinema is truly inspiring. His dedication, versatility, and charisma have made him a beloved figure among fans. As he continues to explore new roles and challenges, Vijayaraghavan remains a symbol of talent and perseverance.
