Vikram was born on 1966-04-17 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu. His father, Vinod Raj, was a small-time actor, while his mother, Rajeshwari, worked as a government officer. Despite early struggles in cinema, Vikram’s breakthrough came with Sethu (1999), which established him as a leading star. He is celebrated for his ability to transform physically and emotionally for roles, from the romantic hero in Dhill and Saamy to the psychologically complex characters in Anniyan and Raavanan.
Beyond acting, Vikram has contributed to social causes, serving as a Youth Envoy for the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and running the Vikram Foundation. He has also produced creative projects like the flood relief anthem Spirit of Chennai (2016). His career reflects a balance of commercial success and critical acclaim, making him a respected figure in Indian cinema.