Vijay Deverakonda was born into a middle-class Telugu family in Telangana. His father, Deverakonda Govardhan Rao, worked as a television serial director. Vijay spent part of his childhood in Puttaparthi, where he studied at Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. Later, he completed his graduation in Bachelor of Commerce from Badruka College of Commerce, Hyderabad.
From an early age, Vijay was interested in acting and theatre. He actively participated in stage performances during his college days.
His career-changing film was Pelli Choopulu (2016). The romantic comedy became a blockbuster and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
In 2017, Vijay became a sensation with Arjun Reddy. His intense portrayal of a troubled surgeon earned him massive popularity across India. The film was later remade in Hindi as Kabir Singh starring Shahid Kapoor.
Other successful films during this phase:
- Geetha Govindam
- Taxiwaala
- Dear Comrade
Quick Bio Data
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deverakonda Vijay Sai |
| Date of Birth | 9 May 1989 (age 36) |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Occupation | Actor, Film Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Debut Film | Nuvvila (2011) – Minor Role |
| Breakthrough | Pelli Choopulu (2016), Arjun Reddy (2017) |
| Height | 5′ 9″ (175 cm) approx. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Parents | Govardhan Rao (Father), Madhavi (Mother) |
| Siblings | Anand Deverakonda (Younger Brother, Actor) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹66-70 crore (approx. $7.9-8.4 million) |
| Upcoming Films | Kingdom (2025), VD12, Rowdy Janardhana (2026) |
Who is Vijay Deverakonda?
Vijay Deverakonda is one of the most popular and highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema (Tollywood). Known for his unconventional choices, raw performances, and the iconic “Rowdy” persona, he became a national sensation with the cult classic Arjun Reddy (2017). Beyond acting, he is a successful film producer, fashion entrepreneur (Rowdy Wear), and philanthropist (Deverakonda Foundation).
Early Life & Family Background
Birth and Childhood
Vijay Deverakonda was born on 9 May 1989 in Hyderabad to a Telugu family. His father, Govardhan Rao, was a television serial director, which gave Vijay early exposure to the world of entertainment. His mother’s name is Madhavi. He has a younger brother, Anand Deverakonda, who is also a popular actor in Telugu cinema, known for films like Baby and Middle Class Melodies.
Education
Vijay spent most of his schooling as a boarder at the prestigious Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in Puttaparthi. He completed his intermediate at Little Flower Junior College, Hyderabad. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Badruka College of Commerce & Arts, Hyderabad.
Theatre Roots
Before entering films, Vijay honed his acting skills by actively participating in theatre groups in Hyderabad, namely Sutradhar and Ingenium Dramatics. This foundation helped him build the intense acting prowess he is known for today.
Career Timeline
The Struggling Phase (2011-2015)
Vijay’s journey to stardom was not overnight. He started with small, uncredited roles:
- 2011: Made his film debut with a minor role in Nuvvila.
- 2012: Played a supporting role in Sekhar Kammula’s ensemble drama Life is Beautiful.
- 2015: Got his first significant break as Rishi in Nag Ashwin’s Yevade Subramanyam. His performance as a spiritual trekking guide earned him critical praise and marked him as an actor to watch.
Breakthrough & Superstardom (2016-2018)
- 2016 – Pelli Choopulu: Vijay’s first film as a lead actor, this low-budget romantic comedy became a blockbuster and won the National Film Award. It established him as a bankable lead actor.
- 2017 – Arjun Reddy: This film changed his life forever. His portrayal of a volatile, self-destructive surgeon was a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success spread across India, getting remade in multiple languages.
- Awards: Won Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
- Legacy: Ranked among the “100 Greatest Performances of the Decade” by Film Companion.
- 2018 – The Golden Year: Vijay delivered three back-to-back hits:
- *Mahanati: * A critically acclaimed biographical film where he played a supporting role.
- *Geetha Govindam: * A romantic comedy that grossed over ₹130 crore worldwide.
- *Taxiwaala: * A supernatural thriller that was a commercial success on OTT platforms.
Recent Years & Challenges (2019-Present)
- 2019-2021: Dear Comrade received mixed reviews. World Famous Lover (2020) underperformed.
- 2022 – Liger: His much-hyped Bollywood debut, a Hindi-Telugu bilingual, was a major critical and commercial failure, receiving negative reviews for its story and execution.
- 2023 – Kushi: A reunion with his Geetha Govindam co-star Rashmika Mandanna. The film received mixed reviews and was an average grosser.
- 2024 – The Family Star: Failed at the box office. However, he made a special appearance as Arjuna in the massive sci-fi hit Kalki 2898 AD, which was well-received.
- 2025 & Beyond: Vijay is looking to bounce back with high-profile projects like Kingdom, VD12 (directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri), and Rowdy Janardhana (announced for a December 2026 release).
Complete Filmography (All Movies List)
This list includes all his movie appearances as an actor and producer.
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes & Box Office Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Nuvvila | Vishnu | Telugu | Debut Film (Minor Role) |
| 2012 | Life Is Beautiful | Ajay | Telugu | Supporting Role |
| 2015 | Yevade Subramanyam | Rishi | Telugu | Supporting Role (Critically Acclaimed) |
| 2016 | Pelli Choopulu | Prashanth | Telugu | First Lead Role, Blockbuster |
| 2017 | Dwaraka | Erra Srinu | Telugu | |
| 2017 | Arjun Reddy | Dr. Arjun Reddy | Telugu | All-Time Blockbuster, Cult Classic |
| 2018 | Ye Mantram Vesave | Nikhil | Telugu | Delayed Release (Shot in 2013) |
| 2018 | Mahanati | Vijay Anthony | Telugu | Super Hit |
| 2018 | Geetha Govindam | Vijay Govind | Telugu | Blockbuster (₹130Cr+ Gross) |
| 2018 | NOTA | Varun Subramanyam | Tamil | Lead Tamil Debut |
| 2018 | Ee Nagaraniki Emaindhi | Himself | Telugu | Cameo |
| 2018 | Taxiwaala | Shiva | Telugu | Hit |
| 2019 | Dear Comrade | Chaitanya | Telugu | Mixed Reviews |
| 2019 | Meeku Maathrame Cheptha | Himself | Telugu | Cameo; Also Producer |
| 2020 | World Famous Lover | Gautham/Srinu | Telugu | Average |
| 2021 | Jathi Ratnalu | Man in Blue Shirt | Telugu | Cameo |
| 2021 | Pushpaka Vimanam | — | Telugu | Producer Only |
| 2022 | Liger | Liger | Hindi/Telugu | Bilingual, Box Office Bomb |
| 2023 | Kushi | Viplav | Telugu | Average |
| 2024 | The Family Star | Govardhan | Telugu | Flop |
| 2024 | Kalki 2898 AD | Arjuna | Telugu | Cameo, Mega Blockbuster |
| 2025 | Kingdom | Soori | Telugu | Upcoming |
| 2026 | Rowdy Janardhana | Rowdy Janardhana | Telugu | Upcoming (Dec 2026) |
| TBA | VD12 | TBA | Telugu | Filming |
| TBA | VD14 | Ranabaali | Telugu | Announced |
Business Ventures & Other Work
Vijay Deverakonda is a true multi-hyphenate entrepreneur:
- Production House – King of the Hill Entertainment: Founded in 2019 to produce content-driven films. Produced Meeku Maathrame Cheptha (2019) and Pushpaka Vimanam (2021).
- Fashion Brand – Rowdy Wear: Launched in 2020 on Myntra, this athleisure brand is inspired by his “Rowdy” fan base. Vijay is the founder and designer.
- Sports – Hyderabad Black Hawks: He is a co-owner of this team in India’s Prime Volleyball League.
- Philanthropy – The Deverakonda Foundation: A non-profit focused on social causes. Gained national attention for the “Middle Class Fund” (MCF) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided financial aid to thousands of families.
- Brand Endorsements: He is a highly sought-after celebrity endorser for brands like Zomato, earning over ₹1 crore per endorsement deal.
Vijay Deverakonda Net Worth (2025 Estimate)
As of 2025, Vijay Deverakonda’s net worth is estimated to be between ₹66 crore and ₹70 crore (approximately $7.9 – $8.4 million USD).
Income Sources & Assets:
- Film Fees: He is one of the highest-paid actors, charging between ₹12 to ₹15 crore per film.
- Endorsements: Earns over ₹1 crore per brand endorsement.
- Social Media: Reportedly charges around ₹40 lakh per sponsored Instagram post.
- Real Estate: Owns a luxurious bungalow worth ₹15 crore in Hyderabad’s posh Jubilee Hills.
- Car Collection: His garage boasts high-end cars, including:
- BMW 5 Series
- Ford Mustang
- Volvo XC90
- Mercedes-Benz GLS
- Range Rover
Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Awards South: Winner for Best Actor – Telugu (Arjun Reddy, 2018).
- Nandi Awards: Winner for Best Actor (Arjun Reddy, 2017).
- SIIMA Awards: Three wins, including Best Actor (Critics) for Arjun Reddy and Geetha Govindam.
- Forbes India Celebrity 100: Featured consistently since 2018.
- Most Searched South Indian Actor on Google (2019).
- Ranked high on The Times Most Desirable Men list multiple times.
Public Image & Personal Life
- The “Rowdy” Brand: Vijay has famously redefined the word “Rowdy.” He explains it originated from his family calling him that for being mischievous. He now uses it to empower his fans, meaning someone who stands up for what is right.
- Relationship Status: He is currently unmarried. He was rumored to be dating his Dear Comrade co-star Rashmika Mandanna, but neither has confirmed the relationship publicly.
- Personality: Known for his unfiltered, honest, and outspoken nature in interviews, which has garnered him a massive loyal fan base.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Vijay Deverakonda’s age?
He was born on 9 May 1989. As of 2026, he is 36 years old.
2. What is Vijay Deverakonda’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around ₹70 crore (approx. $8.4 million).
3. Which are Vijay Deverakonda’s best movies?
His most popular and critically acclaimed films are Arjun Reddy, Geetha Govindam, Pelli Choopulu, and Mahanati.
4. Is Vijay Deverakonda married?
No, Vijay Deverakonda is currently unmarried.
5. Who is Vijay Deverakonda’s brother?
His younger brother, Anand Deverakonda, is also a popular actor in Telugu cinema.
6. What is the Rowdy Wear brand?
Rowdy Wear is Vijay Deverakonda’s own athleisure fashion brand, available on Myntra.
7. What is Vijay Deverakonda’s upcoming movie?
His next big release is Kingdom (2025), followed by VD12 and Rowdy Janardhana (2026).
8. Why is Vijay Deverakonda called “Rowdy”?
He calls himself and his fans “Rowdies” as a term of empowerment, originally a nickname his family gave him for being mischievous.
9. Did Vijay Deverakonda do Bollywood films?
Yes, his first Hindi film was Liger (2022), a bilingual with Telugu, though it was not successful.
10. What is The Deverakonda Foundation?
It is his non-profit organization that works on social issues and helped thousands during the COVID-19 pandemic through the “Middle Class Fund.”