Why CM Vijay's birthday felt different this year, reveals actor Keerthy Suresh

Keerthy Suresh said CM Vijay's birthday felt different this year, with no teaser or trailer to mark the day. Her note framed his first birthday as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister as a shift from screen image to public service.

In Short

• Keerthy said Vijay’s birthdays usually brought film teasers, trailers or announcements
• This year, she said, marked his shift from screen hero to leader
• Vijay entered politics in 2024 and launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam

For over a decade, June 22 was not just a birthday celebration for Vijay fans. It was also a day of anticipation – a time when first looks, teasers, trailers or announcements from his upcoming films became part of the annual ritual. Actor Keerthy Suresh, in her birthday post to wish actor-turned-chief minister Vijay, explained why his birthday this year felt different.

Actor-politician C Joseph Vijay turned 52 on June 22, marking his first birthday after taking charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. While wishes poured in from actors, politicians and fans, actor Keerthy Suresh’s message stood out for highlighting the shift in Vijay’s journey – from a film star unveiling new teasers and trailers of his upcoming film to a leader stepping into public life.

Sharing a picture with Vijay on X, Keerthy recalled how his birthdays were traditionally linked with cinema updates. “For years, your birthday meant waiting for a first look, a teaser, a trailer, or the announcement of a new film. It became a ritual we all looked forward to (aic),” she wrote.

“This year feels different,” she added, pointing out that there was no new character being introduced to audiences. Instead, she said, Vijay was beginning “a new chapter of service and responsibility.”

Keerthy’s message read, “For the first time in over a decade, there isn’t a new character being introduced to the world. Instead, we are witnessing something far more significant. You are reintroducing yourself, not as a hero on screen, but as a leader stepping into a new chapter of service and responsibility.”

She ended her note by wishing “Thalapathy who lives in people’s hearts forever”, capturing the larger sentiment around Vijay’s first birthday in office.

About Vijay's political journey

Vijay’s political journey began in February 2024, when he announced his decision to enter electoral politics and launched Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). He later held his first public rally in October 2024 and travelled across Tamil Nadu to connect with voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

His transition places him in the league of actor-turned-politicians like MGR, NTR and Jayalalithaa, who successfully moved from cinema to governance.

Unlike the usual political route, Vijay chose to contest without aligning with major parties ahead of the elections. His party went on to secure a significant number of seats in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, allowing him to form the government with support from alliance partners.

Meanwhile, the actor’s final film, Jana Nayagan, also remains tied to this transition. The film, scheduled for a January release, was delayed due to pending certification issues and later faced controversy after an online leak.

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