Jailer 2 star rejected opportunity to study engineering; once worked as a cleaner at hotels: ‘I would never…’

Jailer 2 has been unstoppable since it hit the big screens on October 15. The Rajinikanth-starrer has emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026, earning over Rs 616 crore at the box-office. Along with Rajinikanth, SJ Suryah’s performance as Bodhi Kalpak, the antagonist, has also won millions of hearts across India. However, did you know this talented actor once worked as a humble cleaner at restaurants?

In an interview with Idle Brain, the talented actor once said he bypassed the opportunity to study engineering even though he had been enrolled in a college in Madurai in order to become a full-time actor.

“After finishing my +2, I came to Chennai and joined B.Sc. (Physics) at Loyola College. I did not join my engineering, though I got a B.E. seat in Madhurai, as staying in Chennai can facilitate a chance to meet film directors,” he said. He also revealed how, after graduating from Loyola, he worked as a cashier and steward in hotels to earn a living.


In another interview, Suryah opened up on that chapter of his life - how he worked in hotels to make ends meet. “I used to clean up after customers had their food. "When I was working as a cleaner, students who studied with me would come there for a meal as customers. I would never feel shy or ashamed.”

However, he also explained why he did not feel any shame, as for him, waiting the tables was just a job, and he did not assign any value to jobs nor sort them in a hierarchy.

“It was my job. What was there to be ashamed about it? For me, when it is a job, there is no difference between a big job and a small one. No job is greater, and no job is inferior. I was paid for it. I was paid to clean the tables properly,” he said.

“I had starved due to lack of food for several days. Don't even have money to pay house rent..." he added.

He eventually started working as an assistant director and also did uncredited roles in films. While working in the film Ullaasam, superstar Ajith Kumar agreed to listen to a script narration, and he made his directorial debut with the psychological thriller Vaalee. Vaalee became a commercial success. In 2000, he tasted further success as a director with the Thapathy Vijay-Jyothika-starrer Kushi.

He made his debut as an actor in the 2004 film New, which was an adaptation of the 1988 Hollywood film Big. It became a blockbuster as well.

In 2016, Suryah appeared in the drama Iraivi, portraying an alcoholic filmmaker with abusive tendencies. His compelling portrayal earned widespread acclaim from viewers and film critics, leading to a National Film Award nomination. Subsequently, he took on antagonist roles in two projects, the bilingual action thriller Spyder and the Tamil blockbuster Mersal.

Mahesh Babu’s Spyder led to him being a much-sought-after on-screen villain. In the movie, his performance as a serial killer gained much appreciation.

While Spyder received divided opinions, Mersal achieved tremendous commercial success. Suryah cemented his supremacy as a villain. His performance as a corrupt police officer gained widespread adulation. He went on to play the larger-than-life antagonist in movies such as Don, Mark Antony, Indian 2, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Raayan, Game Changer, Love Insurance Kompany and Sardar 2

According to Asian Net, Suryah’s net worth is said to be Rs 150 crore approximately.