Vijay Deverakonda: Biography, Life Story, and Rise to Stardom

Early Life and Family Background

• Full Name: Deverakonda Vijay Sai

• Date of Birth: May 9, 1989

• Zodiac Sign: Taurus

• Place of Birth: Achampet, Nagarkurnool District, Telangana (then Andhra Pradesh)

• Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana

• Nationality: Indian

• Religion: Hinduism

• Caste: Velama (Telugu-speaking community)

Family Details

• Father: Govardhan Rao Deverakonda – A former TV serial director, later turned into an ad-film director due to limited success in the entertainment industry.

• Mother: Madhavi Deverakonda – Runs SpeakEasy, a soft skills and personality development institute.

• Younger Brother: Anand Deverakonda – Also an actor in the Telugu film industry, known for films like Middle Class Melodies.

Vijay comes from a non-filmy background and has often mentioned how his early experiences with his father’s professional struggles gave him a sense of financial responsibility and emotional maturity.

Education

• Schooling: Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh)

  • A strict boarding school with spiritual and disciplined teachings.

  • Vijay has credited this phase for shaping his character and values.

• Intermediate: Little Flower Junior College, Hyderabad

• Graduation: B.Com from Badruka College of Commerce, Hyderabad

• Theatre Training: Worked with Sutradhar, a Hyderabad-based theatre group.

During his college days, Vijay actively participated in drama and theatre, which sowed the seeds for his passion for acting.

Struggles Before Fame

Before becoming a household name, Vijay Deverakonda faced several audition rejections, small roles, and industry hurdles.

• His first role was in Nuvvila (2011), which didn’t do much for his visibility.

• He then worked in Yevade Subramanyam (2015), where he played the hero’s friend. Though not a lead, his presence was noticed by filmmakers.

• He often said he wasn’t “conventionally good-looking” according to industry standards, which delayed his rise.

Despite this, he refused to settle for background roles and chose to wait for the right opportunity, which eventually came.

Breakthrough: Pelli Choopulu (2016)

• Directed by Tharun Bhascker, Pelli Choopulu was a low-budget film but a massive box-office success.

• It presented Vijay as a relatable, next-door boy and earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – South.

This film proved that new-age storytelling and fresh talent could draw big audiences, opening the door for bold experimentation in his future choices.

Stardom with Arjun Reddy (2017)

• Vijay’s performance as the volatile and emotionally broken Arjun Reddy created a storm.

• The film was unapologetic in its storytelling, featuring raw emotion, long monologues, and unfiltered dialogues.

• Despite being controversial for its toxic masculinity narrative, the film became a cult classic.

Impact:

• Vijay became a national sensation overnight.

• He created a brand around being “unfiltered, honest, and real.”

Major Films and Career Highlights

Geetha Govindam (2018)

• Romantic comedy co-starring Rashmika Mandanna.

• Showed his soft, romantic, and comic side.

• A super hit, especially among the family audience and female fans.

Dear Comrade (2019)

• Political drama mixed with a love story.

• Mixed reviews but strong fan support.

World Famous Lover (2020)

• Anthology-style romantic drama.

• Underperformed at the box office but showcased Vijay’s range as an actor.

Liger (2022)

• His debut in Bollywood (Hindi), co-starring Ananya Panday.

• Portrayed an MMA fighter with a speech disorder.

• Despite massive pre-release hype, the film flopped.

• Vijay’s performance was appreciated, but the screenplay faced criticism.

Kushi (2023)

• Romantic drama with Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

• Attempt to reconnect with audiences post-Liger.

• Moderate commercial success.

Kingdom (2025)

• Fearless but emotionally grounded

• Deeply loyal to family and his country

• Street-smart with a rough, raw attitude

Business Ventures

Rowdy Wear

• Street-style fashion label founded by Vijay.

• Targets the youth and college-going crowd.

• Available online and later launched on Myntra.

The Deverakonda Foundation (TDF)

• A non-profit focused on:

  • Student scholarships

  • Financial aid during COVID-19

  • Skill development for the underprivileged

He launched the “Middle Class Fund” during the pandemic, helping over 17,000 families with groceries and essentials.

 Fan Culture

• Fans refer to him as “Rowdy”, a term he uses to describe anyone who lives life on their terms.

• He enjoys a massive youth fan base across Telugu-speaking states and also in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and North India.

• His candid social media presence, emotional speeches, and unfiltered interviews add to his relatability.

 Controversies and Media Spotlight

1. Bold Interviews & Attitude:

   • Often accused of being too brash.

   • However, fans love his honesty and outspoken nature.

2. Arjun Reddy Controversy:

   • Criticized for glorifying toxic masculinity.

   • He defended the character as “real, flawed, but honest.”

3. Liger’s Box Office Failure:

   • Trolls targeted Vijay for the film’s hype and failure.

   • He maintained dignity and didn’t lash out.

Personality and Lifestyle

• Fitness Regimen: Lean physique, practices yoga, and basic gym workouts.

• Reading Habit: Avid reader; often quotes from books in interviews.

• Hobbies: Traveling, writing, poetry, and spending time with family.

• Languages: Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, English, and has worked in Tamil.

Upcoming Projects (as of 2025)

1. VD13 – Action thriller, teaser released, high expectations.

2. Untitled Tamil-Telugu bilingual – Aiming for wider South Indian reach.

3. Web series & OTT Collaborations – Exploring digital formats.

Vijay is now focusing on strong scripts, pan-India appeal, and working with national-level directors.

Conclusion

Vijay Deverakonda’s life is a shining example of how talent, grit, and self-belief can overcome barriers. From a middle-class boy with no connections to a national heartthrob, his story inspires countless dreamers.

Whether it’s his intense roles, casual charm, business mind, or philanthropic heart, Vijay continues to be one of the most influential and admired figures in Indian cinema today. His journey is still unfolding, and with each step, he is redefining what it means to be a “Rowdy” — someone who never backs down from a challenge.