As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay made history by taking oath at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, one notable absence cast a long shadow over the celebrations — his 25-year-old son Jason Sanjay.
Neither his estranged wife, Sangeetha Sornalingam, nor daughter Divya Saasha attended the ceremony, putting the spotlight on a deeply personal chapter of the new chief minister's life.
The ceremony drew celebrities from Bollywood and the south film industry, political leaders and thousands of fans. Vijay's parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, also attended. But his wife and children were absent, and their non-attendance quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the day.
The moment brought back a rare 2022 interview in which Vijay had spoken about Jason with quiet pride and unusual restraint.
What Vijay Said About His Son
During the Beast promotions in 2022, in a Sun TV interview with director Nelson Dilipkumar, Vijay was asked whether Jason Sanjay had any interest in acting. Putting his son's choices above all else, Vijay made clear that Jason had complete freedom to decide his own path.
"I have no clue what's in his mind," Vijay said, adding that he had never once pressured Jason into following him into the industry. "I would never do that. It is completely his interest. If he feels he needs my support, I will support him. They have full freedom to choose. I don't command them, saying they have to do this or that."
Vijay acknowledged that several filmmakers had come to him hoping to launch his son, but said he always left the final call entirely to Jason. "I tell him people are asking, but at the end of the day, it is his choice. He told me: 'Please don't disturb me for a couple of years. I don't want this right now'."
Vijay's Family Dynamics
His wife, Sangeetha, filed for divorce in February, accusing Vijay of infidelity. Her petition alleged that she discovered in April 2021 that he was involved in an adulterous relationship with an actress, which caused "pain, mental suffering, betrayal and violation of marital trust".
Reports suggest Jason has since started signing his name as "Jason Sanjay S" instead of "Jason Sanjay V" — dropping his father's initial — and reportedly unfollowed him on Instagram following the divorce petition. He is currently believed to be in Canada, where he went in early 2026 to pursue film studies.
Jason is set to make his directorial debut with a film produced by Lyca Productions.
The divorce proceedings continue, with the Chengalpattu Family Welfare Court having deferred the next hearing to June 15. Neither Vijay nor any family member has made a public statement about the rift.
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