‘An embodiment of friendship’: Rajinikanth pays respects to Vijayakanth

Paying homage to actor Vijayakanth and his ‘enduring kindness’, Rajinikanth spoke about two instances where the DMDK leader helped him out and said he would always stand tall in people’s hearts.

The actor paid homage to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader and offered condolences to his family, including wife Premalatha and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakaran. (PTI Photo)

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth cancelled his shoot for ‘Vettaiyan’ in Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari district and reached Island Grounds in Chennai on Friday morning to pay respects to actor Vijayakanth, who passed away on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness.

After paying homage to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader and offering condolences to his family, including wife Premalatha and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakaran, Rajinikanth told the media that anybody who met Vijayakanth would be captivated by his kindness.

“I am deeply saddened. There is a lot to talk about Vijayakanth, most importantly it is his friendship. He is an example of what friendship embodies. If someone comes to know about Vijayakanth, they will be perpetually captivated by his enduring kindness, that is the reason why he has so many friends. They will be ready to sacrifice their lives for him,” he said.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth pays tribute to DMDK chief and Actor Captain Vijayakanth at Island ground, Anna Salai in Chennai.

DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth passed away at a hospital in Chennai yesterday. pic.twitter.com/EcZZ6eR7wm

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2023

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Rajinikanth said that Vijayakanth might have gotten angry at friends, politicians or even the media but they would not be angry with him as they would know that there was a genuine reason for his anger. “He was an example of bravery and courage,” Rajinikanth said, narrating incidents where Vijayakanth stood up for him.

“I was so sick and was admitted to Ramachandra Hospital (Chennai). I was not conscious. There was a huge gathering of public and media and it was causing a lot of trouble. Vijayakanth came there and in five minutes, he dispersed everyone. He informed (hospital management) to provide a room next to me and told them that he would take care of Annan (brother). I cannot forget that,” Rajinikanth said in a choked-up voice, trying to hold back tears.

Rajinikanth also recalled how he was mobbed by fans and the media after a show in Malaysia that was organised to raise funds for Nadigar Sangam (actors’ association) in 2002. Vijayakanth stepped down from the bus and escorted him away safely and inquired if he was okay later, he said.

“Captain is a fitting name for him…71 balls with many sixes and boundaries. He scored several hundreds and entertained people. He lost his wicket and left the field…,” Rajinikanth said.

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Recalling a line from a famous song featuring actor and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran – ‘Vaazhnthavar kodi marainthavar kodi makkalin manathil nirpavar yaar (Crores have lived and died in this world but who stands tall in people’s heart) – Rajinikanth said, “It is people like Vijayakanth…long live Vijayakanth….”.

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