R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, DEC 28
Former Tamil actor and DMDK leader Vijayakanth, revered by his fans as ‘Captain’, died at 71 in a private hospital in Chennai on December 28. He was under ventilator as he had severe breathing difficulties.
Though party sources announced he was diagnosed with Covid-19, Chennai’s MIOT Hospital, where he had been admitted since November, said he was suffering from pneumonia. After suffering from cough and throat pain, doctors had kept him under observation for 14 days.
- Tamil Nadu CM Stalin announces full state honours for DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth’s funeral
- PM Modi, ‘Salaar’ actor Sriya Reddy pay tributes
- Actor Vijayakanth stood out as the only Tamil actor after M G Ramachandran to achieve notable success in the realm of Tamil politics
Vijayakanth was a member of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly twice. He is survived wife Premalatha and sons Shanmukha Pandian and Vijayaprabhakaran. He was born on August 25, 1952 in Madurai and his official name is Vijayaraj Alagarswamy.
On December 14, the actor-turned-politician made his first public appearance post-discharge to participate in DMDK’s executive and general council meeting. During the meeting, his wife Premalatha Vijayakanth was announced as the party’s new general secretary.
The passing of Vijayakanth not only signifies the loss of a distinguished personality but also highlights the diminishing influence of a political party that once held considerable potential. Vijayakanth stood out as the only Tamil actor after M G Ramachandran or MGR to achieve notable success in the realm of Tamil politics.
He debuted in the film industry with ‘Iniikum Ilamai’ in 1979. His popular films include ‘Senthoora Poove, Pulan Visaranai, Chatriyan, Captain Prabhakaran, Chinna Gounder, Sethupathi IPS, Honest Raj, Vanathai Pola, and Ramana’, among others. Vijayakanth also headed the actors’ body called Nadigar Sangam.
In 2005, he entered politics by floating his party. The DMDK emerged as a fresh political alternative in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian politics. Vijayakanth’s popularity, particularly in rural areas, was a critical factor in the party’s initial success.
In the 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, just a year after its inception, the DMDK secured a surprising 8.4 per cent of the votes, contesting in 232 constituencies, with Vijayakanth being the sole winner. He contested from Virudhachalam constituency. This early success established DMDK as a noteworthy player in the state’s political arena.
He turned the tables in the 2011 Assembly polls by joining hands with AIADMK. His party secured 29 seats, pushing the DMK to a distant third and became the state’s main Opposition.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday expressed his condolences over the death of DMDK chief and actor Vijayakanth.
Calling it a tragedy for Tamil Nadu and the film industry, CM Stalin said that the news of the DMDK chief’s death brought “shock and pain”.
“The news of the demise of dear friend and National Progressive Dravidian Association President, Captain Vijayakanth has caused great shock and pain,” CM Stalin said in a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
CM Stalin has reached Vijayakanth’s residence in Chennai to pay him last respects.
“The demise of my dear friend Vijayakanth, fondly known by the Tamil people as Captain, is a tragedy for Tamil Nadu and the film industry. In this very sad situation, I express my condolences to Captain Vijayakanth’s family, including his sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, the volunteers of the National Progressive Dravidian Association, the film industry and the fans,” the statement read.
அன்பிற்கினிய நண்பர் – தேசிய முற்போக்கு திராவிடக் கழக நிறுவனத் தலைவர் கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களுக்கு இறுதி மரியாதை செலுத்தினேன்.
நல்ல உள்ளத்திற்குச் சொந்தக்காரரான நண்பர் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்கள் திரையுலகிலும் பொதுவாழ்விலும் தனது கடும் உழைப்பினால் வெற்றிகரமான முத்திரைகளைப் பதித்த… pic.twitter.com/09qWav7Pnk
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 28, 2023
CM Stalin announced full state honours for DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth’s funeral.
As a mark of homage, the government will accord full state honours for Vijayakanth’s funeral, Stalin announced.
The DMDK founder’s death is a huge loss for Tamil Nadu and the world of cinema, the Chief Minister said and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members and party workers.
Deeply saddened by the demise of DMDK founder, Thiru Vijayakanth ji.
His contributions to cinema and politics have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans during this difficult time.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 28, 2023
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also extended his condolences to the DMDK chief and said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of DMDK founder, Thiru Vijayakanth ji.”
“His contributions to cinema and politics have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans during this difficult time,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tributes to the departed soul. He reminisced his interactions with Vijayakanth and extended his deepest condolences towards the DMDK chief’s family, fans and followers.
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… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2023
“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X formerly Twitter.
Captain Vijaykanth is no more. Condolences. Was known as ‘man with a golden heart.’
மதிப்பிற்குரிய கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவுக்கு எனது ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.
தே.மு.தி.க நிறுவனர் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களை ‘பசிபிணி தீர்த்த பொன்மன வள்ளல்’ என்று அஞ்சலி செலுத்துவோம்.
அவரை இழந்துவாடும்,…— Nirmala Sitharaman (Modi Ka Parivar) (@nsitharaman) December 28, 2023
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also paid her last respects to the ‘Captain’. “My deepest condolences on the demise of respected Captain Vijayakanth. We will pay tribute to the founder of DMDK, Vijayakanth, as ‘Pasipini Thirtha Ponmana Vallaal’. I express my deepest condolences to his fans and DMDK volunteers who will miss him,” she said in a post on X.
