Chennai: While thousands conveyed birthday wishes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday, one message stood out. Jagadish Palanisamy’s social media post caught the attention of everyone not for the greeting itself, but for the journey it captured—a common man becoming the private secretary to a chief minister.
“18 years ago,” Palanisamy posted on X, “I stood in line as a die-hard fan, hoping for a photo with you. Now, standing beside you as ‘The Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister’ of the State. Life has come full circle.”
It was revealed in a government order circulated online soon afterward that the appointment was made on May 12 itself, just two days after Vijay assumed office, but the government order of his appointment was made public only on Monday.
An associate of Vijay for over 13 years, Palanisamy (37) has been Vijay’s longtime manager, his key political strategist, and now his Private Secretary.
Also Read: New govt, old issues—Vijay’s first Delhi visit as CM set tone for TN-Centre ties
Fan-turned manager
Jagadish Palanisamy, who hails from Erode, started his career in Tamil Nadu’s entertainment industry. He initially worked with comedian and public speaker Erode Mahesh before transitioning into the film industry where he collaborated with music composer and artist GV Prakash Kumar.
18 years ago, I stood in line as a die-hard fan, hoping for a photo with you. Now, Standing beside you as “The Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister” of the State. Life has come full circle ❤️ I owe you everything for who I am today.
Doesn’t matter how low I feel,… pic.twitter.com/jWRHMRvlAU
— Jagadish (@Jagadishbliss) June 22, 2026
He gained valuable experience managing professional aspects for GV Prakash and building connections with prominent directors like AR Murugadoss and Atlee, both of whom have collaborated extensively with Vijay.
He met Vijay in 2010 through industry networks and Palanisamy started handling key film-related responsibilities for the actor. Over more than 18 years of association, he evolved into a core member of Vijay’s team, shaping the star’s digital presence into one of the most engaged celebrity profiles on social media.
Celebrity management
Jagadish Palanisamy has not only been associated with Vijay as his manager but he set up a celebrity management and production company called The Route. His company later co-produced Vijay’s Master and Leo. It was also involved in projects like Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi and others. These professional successes strengthened his position as a reliable operator in both the film ecosystem and Vijay’s personal and public affairs.
As part of The Route, he has represented many popular South Indian actors including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Rashmika Mandanna, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Malavika Mohanan, Kathir, Samyuktha, Arjun Das, and Anjali.
The firm also later ventured into content production, music videos with Sony Music South, and feature films.
Role in TVK
As Vijay announced his political journey and decided to transition from cinema to politics with the launch of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Palanisamy played a significant behind-the-scenes role. He was appointed Head Office Co-Treasurer of the TVK during its formative phase, contributing to building the party’s internal structures, financial systems, and campaign coordination.
His expertise in media operations, celebrity coordination, election strategy, and digital outreach played a significant role. “He has been associated not just with the party but with our leader for years. Digital presence helped the party campaign and Jagadish Palanisamy has been associated with the other political strategists to chalk out the plan of action for the party, besides John Arokiasamy, who was also a key political strategist for Vijay in the 2026 elections,” said a TVK functionary, who was associated with its political strategy team.
As Vijay’s Private Secretary, Palanisamy’s role is important in the chief minister’s strategy team and IT wing.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Also Read: Vijay’s victory has turned Tamil Nadu upside down. He must be fearless, not accommodating