Vijaykanth, the actor who captured the hearts of millions, passed away on Thursday, December 28th.He was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai as his health deteriorated. He was on ventilator support as he also faced breathing difficulties and tested positive for COVID-19. However, the hospital bulletin said that he was battling pneumonia. Sources say that he has been having health issues since November. He has been confined to his home due to his many health issues for a few years now. His wife had taken charge of the party as of December 15, 2023.
The actor was popularly called Captain as he portrayed a lot of roles as a militarian. He was the founder of the political party DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam). As the party made its first electoral debut in 2006, it won 10 percent of the vote in Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly elections. He acted in movies such as Dowry Kalyanam, Neerottam, Gajendra, and Perarasu, to name a few. He also produced successful ventures including Narasimha, Thennavan, Sagaptham, and many more under his company, Captain Cine Creations.
Supporters, fans, and colleagues have expressed their heartfelt condolences on Twitter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. He was a close friend, and I fondly recall my interactions with him over the years. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, fans, and numerous followers. Om Shanti.” The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu paid a heartfelt tribute on platform X (Twitter), praising his contribution to politics and cinema. Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah were some other political leaders who offered their condolences on Twitter. Junior NTR, too, said he was saddened to learn about Vijayakanth’s passing. “A true powerhouse in both cinema and politics. May his soul find eternal peace. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” he added. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, “A great artist, a people’s hero, and a human being with a heart of gold, ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth will always be remembered with respect and admiration. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who loved and believed in him.”
The actor and DMDK chief will be laid to rest with state honours, said Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin.