Recently, some images of popular Tamil cinema actor and politician Thalapathy Vijay wearing white attire and a skull cap have been circulating on social media, claiming that he has converted to Islam.
See some Facebook posts spreading this claim here: here (archive), here (archive), here (archive), and here (archive).
Similar claims have been spread on TikTok. See the videos: here (archive), here (archive), and here (archive).
Fact-check
Rumor Scanner Team’s investigation reveals that the claim of Thalapathy Vijay converting to Islam is false. Rather, some images and videos from his recent Iftar event during Ramadan have been used to spread this claim. No credible source has confirmed his conversion to Islam. Moreover, in his past statements and various media reports, Vijay has not identified himself as a follower of any specific religion, though he has expressed respect for all religions.
During the investigation, an article published by Indian news outlet Free Press Journal on March 7 was found (source). According to the report, on March 7, Friday, Vijay hosted a special Iftar gathering in Chennai for Ramadan. He was seen wearing white attire and a skull cap at the event. The report also mentions that he participated in evening prayers with Muslims and took part in the Iftar ceremony. However, it does not state that he has converted to Islam.
The report further notes that Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, is preparing to contest in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. He plans to run independently without forming alliances with any political parties.
A video of the same event was posted by Asian News International (ANI) on its X (formerly Twitter) account on March 7 (source). The caption states that it shows Vijay, the founder and leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, attending an Iftar gathering in Chennai during Ramadan.
Although several Indian media outlets have reported on this event, none have mentioned that he converted to Islam. However, many have criticized this move as politically motivated.
A 2022 article published in The Indian Express (source) provides insight into Vijay’s religious views. He stated,
“I am a firm believer. I go to church, and I have gone to temples and Ameen Peer Dargah during the filming of Thuppakki. I have felt a divine feeling in all the places. My mother is a Hindu and my father is a Christian. They both fell in love and got married. I grew up in a household that never restricted me as to where I should go or shouldn’t go. I also teach my children the same.”
Thus, the claim that Tamil cinema actor Thalapathy Vijay has converted to Islam is false.
