(Image from Vijay Deverakonda Instagram account)
Early Life and Background
Vijay Deverakonda was born as Deverakonda Vijay Sai on May 9, 1989, in Achampet, a town in the Nagarkurnool district of Telangana (then part of Andhra Pradesh). He comes from a Telugu-speaking family with a strong cultural background. His father, Deverakonda Govardhan Rao, was a television director, while his mother, Deverakonda Madhavi, is the owner of Speak Easy, a soft skills training institute in Hyderabad.
Vijay did his schooling at Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in Puttaparthi, which is known for its strict discipline and holistic education. He later pursued his graduation in commerce from Badruka College in Hyderabad. From an early age, Vijay showed a keen interest in acting, storytelling, and performing arts, which gradually shaped his path toward cinema.
Entry into the Film Industry
Vijay started his acting journey with theatre and short films before getting small roles in Telugu films. His first on-screen appearance was a minor role in the film “Nuvvila” (2011), directed by Ravi Babu. He later appeared in “Life is Beautiful” (2012) in a supporting role.
However, his breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed film “Yevade Subramanyam” (2015), where he played the role of Rishi, the protagonist’s friend. Though it was not the lead role, his performance caught the attention of many filmmakers and viewers, marking the beginning of his rise.
Rise to Fame
Vijay Deverakonda became an overnight sensation with the romantic drama “Pelli Choopulu” (2016). The film was a massive hit and even won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. Vijay’s natural performance and refreshing screen presence made him one of the most promising young actors in Tollywood.
The real turning point in his career came with “Arjun Reddy” (2017). Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film showcased him as a rebellious, passionate, and flawed medical student. His raw and intense performance won critical acclaim and created a cult following among youth. “Arjun Reddy” became a cultural phenomenon and was later remade in several languages, including the Hindi blockbuster “Kabir Singh.”
Career Highlights and Popular Films
After “Arjun Reddy,” Vijay delivered several notable performances in films like:
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Geetha Govindam (2018) – A romantic comedy that became a huge commercial success and showed his lighter, charming side.
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Taxiwaala (2018) – A supernatural thriller with a unique storyline.
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Dear Comrade (2019) – A love story with strong emotional depth and social themes.
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World Famous Lover (2020) – A romantic anthology exploring complex relationships.
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Liger (2022) – A pan-India sports action film where he made his Bollywood debut alongside Ananya Panday.
He also runs his own production house called King of the Hill Entertainment, which focuses on giving opportunities to new talents in the industry.
Personality and Public Image
Vijay Deverakonda is known for his bold, outspoken, and unconventional personality. He doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind, and that has made him a favorite among the younger generation. He’s often seen as a trendsetter in terms of style and fashion. His fans call him “Rowdy,” a nickname he proudly embraces, and he even launched his own fashion brand named Rowdy Wear.
Despite his fame, he often comes across as grounded and humble in interviews, crediting his success to hard work, discipline, and the support of his family and fans.
Awards and Recognition
Vijay has received several awards, including:
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Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu (for Arjun Reddy)
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SIIMA Award for Best Actor
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Zee Cine Award – Telugu
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National recognition as one of the most promising young actors of Indian cinema
He has also been featured multiple times in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list.
Conclusion
From a small-town boy with big dreams to one of the most sought-after actors in India, Vijay Deverakonda’s journey is an inspiring tale of passion, risk-taking, and determination. With his fearless approach to roles, strong screen presence, and growing pan-India appeal, Vijay continues to break barriers and redefine stardom for the new generation of Indian cinema.