Hundreds pay tribute to ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth; void hard to fill: PM Modi
Vijayakanth died in the morning at Chennai’s MIOT Hospital where he was on ventilator support for pneumonia, the hospital said in a statement.
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People pay their tribute to actor and politician Vijayakanth in Chennai on Thursday. (PTI)Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader and Tamil cinema superstar Vijayakanth died on Thursday, leaving a void in the state’s diverse political tapestry. He was 71.
Vijayakanth died in the morning at Chennai’s MIOT Hospital where he was on ventilator support for pneumonia, the hospital said in a statement.
Fondly called ‘Captain’ by his fans owing to his roles in movies, he is survived by his wife, Premalatha, and two sons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Vijayakanth’s passing has left “a void hard to fill”.
“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,” Modi wrote on X. “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.”
Vijayakanth’s beginnings were humble, born to the second wife of his father and losing his parents early. (Archive)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on X: “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.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin called the actor-politician’s death a “tragedy for Tamil Nadu and the film industry”. Vijayakanth had “devoted himself fully” to all tasks and responsibilities he took up in his lifetime, he said.
“He was a family friend to us. He had a special place in the heart for Kalaignar (late M Karunanidhi),” Stalin said.
It were the roles he portrayed which helped Vijayakanth rise above the constraints of a minuscule caste base. (Archive)
Stalin and his Cabinet colleagues visited the late leader’s residence where his body was first brought from the hospital. The body was then taken in a procession to the DMDK headquarters where people had gathered in large numbers, many of them to see for one last time a man they will remember as a benefactor.
“His first question would be ‘Have you eaten? He would serve food before even asking why we came to his home,” said Ramesh Bala, an auto driver from Saligramam, the locality where Vijayakanth resided. According to DMDK, Vijayakanth will be laid to rest on Friday at the party headquarters. The government has announced full state honours for his funeral.
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