Vijay Deverakonda, tunrs 37 today, May 9th. One of India’s most celebrated actors, has journeyed from humble beginnings as a theatre artist to becoming a household name in both Tollywood and Bollywood. Born to TV director Govardhan Rao, Deverakonda’s path to stardom wasn’t an easy one. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Badruka College of Commerce & Arts, he began his acting career in theatre, joining a Hyderabad-based group where he performed in numerous plays. His early stage experience laid the foundation for his future success in films.
Deverakonda's first major break in cinema came with the 2011 Telugu romantic comedy Nuvvila, where he played the role of Vishnu, a cricketer. This marked the start of his film career, though it wasn’t until his 2017 film Arjun Reddy that he truly captured the spotlight. His portrayal of a troubled surgeon in Arjun Reddy received widespread acclaim, establishing him as a bold, versatile actor capable of taking on complex roles. This performance catapulted him to stardom and earned him a massive fan following.
Following the success of Arjun Reddy, Deverakonda continued to deliver hit after hit, starring in films like Geetha Govindam, Pelli Choopulu, and Taxiwaala. These movies solidified his position as one of the most bankable stars in Telugu cinema. His popularity extended beyond Tollywood, and in 2022, Deverakonda made his Bollywood debut with Liger, produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and directed by Puri Jagannadh. The film, in which he played a martial artist, marked his entry into the Hindi film industry.
In February 2026, Deverakonda married his long-time partner, actress Rashmika Mandanna, in a private ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Their union, celebrated by fans and the media alike, was a major milestone in both their personal and professional lives. Together, they are set to star in Ranabaali, a period action drama directed by Rahul Sankrityan. The film, set in colonial India, follows Deverakonda’s character, a freedom fighter, and is slated for a global release in September 2026.
Looking ahead, Vijay Deverakonda has a packed slate with several major films. These include Ranabaali, Rowdy Janardhana, and VDxShouryuv, a high-voltage romantic action drama. With his undeniable talent, versatility, and growing fanbase, Deverakonda’s journey from a theatre artist to a global film star continues to inspire.
