Handle hate and own your craft: Surya Sethupathi reveals father Vijay Sethupathi’s stern advice ahead of his debut

Surya Sethupathi, son of acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi, recently stepped into the limelight with his big-screen debut in the Tamil film Phoenix. In an exclusive chat with Zoom, the young actor opened up about his father’s candid words of wisdom and shared cherished memories from the set of Maharaja—Vijay’s landmark 50th film.

Recalling his father’s advice, Surya shared, “My father said just two things. One is ‘Being a nepo kid, you should have the capability to handle negative things’. And another thing, ‘You should be responsible for your job.’ Because it’s not only one person doing this job, it’s teamwork. Just believe the process and do as much as you can. Give 100% to that job, whatever job it is.”

Surya also fondly remembered visiting the set of Maharaja. “That is a different character that he has done in his career,” he noted. “He used to tell me a lot of things about how he explored the character differently. When he did scenes and came back after the cut, he shared those experiences with me.”

What truly stands out, Surya revealed, are the deep film discussions they often have at home. “We watch a movie and have different perspectives. I have one, he has another. The conversations aren’t about right or wrong—it’s all part of the thought process,” he reflected.

Phoenix, directed by action choreographer-turned-director Anl Arasu, released in theatres on July 4, 2025, marking the beginning of Surya’s journey in cinema, armed with his father’s hard-hitting yet heartfelt guidance.