Vijay Raghavendra, born on 1979-05-26 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is the son of film producer S. A. Chinne Gowda and nephew of the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar. He started acting at the age of four in Chalisuva Modagalu (1982) and gained fame with Chinnari Mutha (1993) and Kotreshi Kanasu (1994), the latter earning him the National Film Award for Best Child Artist. His first lead role came in Ninagagi (2002), which was a commercial success.
Over the years, Vijay has acted in numerous films, directed Kismat (2018), and won accolades including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for Shivayogi Sri Puttayyajja (2016). He also won the first season of Bigg Boss Kannada (2013). Despite personal tragedy with the passing of his wife Spandana in 2023, he continues to remain active in cinema and television.