Questions have emerged over whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s personal hairstylist, Jagadish Awasthi, accompanied him on his first official visit to New Delhi at taxpayer expense. The issue gained attention after videos and photographs from Vijay’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed Awasthi travelling as part of the Chief Minister’s entourage despite holding no publicly known government position.
While previous Chief Ministers typically travelled with cabinet colleagues and senior bureaucrats during such visits, Vijay’s entourage reportedly included a small group consisting of advisers, aides, security personnel and longtime personal associates. The absence of ministers from the delegation has become a subject of political discussion, particularly after videos and photographs from the visit revealed the presence of several non-government figures closely associated with the Chief Minister.
Netizens started sharing the list of names of people who accompanied Vijay on the private flight to Delhi. These included his Route PR chief Jagadish, Vishnu Reddy (recently appointed Advisor), Vijay’s bodyguards/security personnel and a Jagadish Awasthi.
Among the most prominent individuals accompanying Vijay was Vishnu Reddy, who currently serves as Advisor for Public Events and General Matters in the Chief Minister’s Office. According to reports, Vishnu oversees public engagements, grievance meetings, event management and logistical coordination connected to the Chief Minister’s activities. He was also seen during Vijay’s visits to the Governor’s residence during the time he was attempting to stake claim to form the government. Reddy is said to be an Andhra-origin granite businessman and a longtime associate who played a significant role in crowd mobilisation and campaign logistics during Vijay’s political rise.
Vishnu Reddy’s growing influence has attracted attention because of his business interests and corporate links. Corporate records show that he is associated with Chennai-based Indo Rocks LLP, a company engaged in the mining and minerals sector. The same records list Y.S. Anil Reddy as a partner in the firm.
Anil Reddy’s name has surfaced in media reports concerning investigations into the alleged Andhra Pradesh liquor procurement scam. Reports cited by critics claim investigators examined alleged financial links involving entities associated with him, although no court finding establishing guilt has been produced. His recent appearance alongside Vijay in Chennai and his reported proximity to individuals within the Chief Minister’s circle have further fuelled public debate.
However, the individual whose presence generated the greatest public curiosity was Jagadish Awasthi.
He is seen frequently posting about Vijay. Some of the latest posts include those of Vijay meeting PM, Vijay taking oath etc.
Unlike Vishnu Reddy, Awasthi does not hold any publicly announced position within the government. He is widely known in the film industry as Vijay’s longtime personal hairstylist. Awasthi first worked with Vijay during the production of Bigil and subsequently became part of the actor’s core professional team, working on films including Master, Beast, Varisu, Leo, The GOAT and Jana Nayagan. He has also worked with actors such as Allu Arjun, Vijay Sethupathi and Vijay Deverakonda.
Sources familiar with Vijay’s team say Awasthi continued to handle the Chief Minister’s grooming and appearance-related requirements even after his transition from cinema to politics. His inclusion in an official delegation meeting the Prime Minister has nevertheless prompted questions about the role played by personal staff during government visits.
யார் இந்த ஜெகதீஷ் அவஸ்தி விஐய்க்கும் இவருக்கும் என்ன தொடர்பு#JAGADISHAWASTHI | #CMVijay | #Delhi pic.twitter.com/CwIbOf4O0S
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) May 28, 2026
Videos of the people accompanying Vijay have also been circulating. In the below video, he is seen in the entourage with Vijay at the airport.
Video captured during Vijay’s trip to Delhi three days ago.
In this video, you can clearly see Jagadish Awasthi, the personal hair stylist for Vijay.
Dear @CMOTamilnadu, how can you support your personal associate using government funds? pic.twitter.com/d5QNNJeutT
— TamilNadu Updates (@tn_updatess) May 29, 2026
Netizens sought clarification on whether Awasthi travelled in an official, personal or party capacity and whether any public funds were used for his participation. No official clarification has yet been issued.
Vijay appears increasingly reliant on a network of close friends and associates as advisors, business associates and personal confidants rather than elected ministers and career administrators.
With Vijay declining to interact with the media during the Delhi visit, questions surrounding the composition of the delegation have remained unanswered.
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