Actor Vijay Sethupathi’s candid humour and grounded personality stole the spotlight when he appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show, leaving both the host and the audience in fits of laughter. Known for his effortless wit and earthy charm, the National Award-winning actor delivered one of the most memorable moments of the episode when he revealed the real reason behind his entry into acting.
During a light-hearted conversation, Kapil Sharma asked Sethupathi what inspired him to become an actor. Without missing a beat, the Jawan and Super Deluxe star replied with brutal honesty: “Paise nahi the toh acting karni padi” (I had no money, so I had to take up acting). The deadpan delivery instantly sent Kapil Sharma and the studio audience into uncontrollable laughter.
However, behind the joke lay a deeply relatable story. Sethupathi elaborated that acting was never part of a grand plan. He took up small roles and background work initially purely as a means of survival, juggling various odd jobs before cinema finally opened its doors to him. His admission resonated strongly with fans, many of whom admire him for his rags-to-riches journey in the film industry.
Kapil Sharma, clearly impressed, praised Sethupathi for his honesty and humility, calling his journey “inspiring and real.” The actor’s ability to laugh at his own struggles while acknowledging them openly added to the warmth of the moment.
Sethupathi also spoke briefly about how those early struggles shaped his approach to acting. He shared that having faced financial instability gave him a deeper understanding of everyday characters, which later helped him portray raw, realistic roles that audiences connect with so strongly today.
The episode once again highlighted why Vijay Sethupathi enjoys massive popularity across languages not just for his acting prowess, but for his unfiltered, no-frills personality. Social media was quick to react, with clips of the moment going viral and fans praising the actor for keeping it “real” in an industry often driven by gloss and pretence.
From struggling to make ends meet to becoming one of India’s most respected performers, Vijay Sethupathi’s journey told in just one honest line proved that sometimes, the simplest truths leave the biggest impact.
