Hundreds pay tribute to ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth; void hard to fill: PM Modi

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.