Vijay Devarakonda

Vijay Deverakonda - Biography Deverakonda Vijay Sai (Vijay Deverakonda)

Born: May 9, 1989 (age 36) in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (present-day Telangana)

Occupation: Actor, Film Producer

Early Life and Education

Born to Govardhan Rao, a television serial director, and Madhavi, a homemaker, Vijay Deverakonda's family roots trace back to the village of Thummanpeta in the Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. He spent a significant portion of his formative years at a boarding school, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, in Puttaparthi. He later returned to Hyderabad for his intermediate studies at Little Flower Junior College, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Badruka College of Commerce & Arts. His younger brother, Anand Deverakonda, is also an actor. Before his film career, he was a member of the Hyderabad-based theater group "Sutradhar" where he refined his acting skills through various stage plays.

Film Career

Vijay Deverakonda's career can be divided into distinct phases:

  • Early Career (2011–2015)

    He began with a minor role in the 2011 romantic comedy Nuvvila. His breakthrough came with the supporting role of Rishi in the coming-of-age drama Yevade Subramanyam (2015), for which he received a Nandi Award - Special Jury Award.

  • Breakthrough and Stardom (2016–2018)

    His first lead role in the 2016 romance Pelli Choopulu was a critical and commercial success. However, it was his portrayal of a volatile, self-destructive surgeon in Arjun Reddy (2017) that made him a pan-Indian star. This role earned him widespread critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. He followed this with a series of successful films, including the romantic comedy Geetha Govindam and the supernatural thriller Taxiwaala, both in 2018.

  • Recent Projects (2019-Present)

    In recent years, he has continued to star in diverse roles, including Dear Comrade (2019), World Famous Lover (2020), and his Bollywood debut with Liger (2022). His recent films include the romantic drama Kushi (2023) and the action drama The Family Star (2024). He also had a special cameo as Arjuna in the epic science-fiction film Kalki 2898 AD (2024). His latest release was the action thriller Kingdom (2025).

Vijay Deverakonda in Arjun Reddy

Awards and Recognition
  • Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for Arjun Reddy (2018). Notably, he auctioned this award for ₹25 lakh (approx. USD $30,000) and donated the proceeds to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
  • Nandi Award - Special Jury Award for Yevade Subramanyam (2015).
  • SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Critics) – Telugu for Geetha Govindam (2019).
  • He has been a consistent feature on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2018.
  • He was also listed in Forbes India's Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019.
Other Ventures and Philanthropy
  • Rowdy Wear

    In 2018, he launched his own fashion brand, Rowdy Wear, which reflects his personal style and the affectionate nickname he uses for his fanbase, "Rowdies."

  • The Deverakonda Foundation

    He established this non-profit in 2019 to support various humanitarian and social causes. The foundation played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing essential support to thousands of middle-class families.

  • King of the Hill Entertainment

    He founded his own film production company, which has produced films like Meeku Maathrame Cheptha (2019).

  • Hyderabad Black Hawks

    In 2023, he became the co-owner of the professional volleyball team Hyderabad Black Hawks.

Vijay Deverakonda's career showcases his evolution from a theater artist to one of the most bankable and influential stars in Telugu cinema, known for his unconventional roles, outspoken nature, and business acumen.