‘A legend of the Tamil film world’: PM Modi, CM Stalin pay tributes to Vijayakanth

Vijayakanth, fondly called ‘Captain’, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 71. Condolences poured in as the news of the actor’s passing spread.

The #DMDK flag at the party office flies at half-mast as a mark of respect for #Captain #Vijayakanth, who passed away this morning. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/SQIWcwmKP2

— Janardhan Koushik (@koushiktweets) December 28, 2023

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders T R Baalu and Ma Subramanian visited Vijayakanth’s residence to pay homage.

The DMDK flag flying at half-mast at the office as a mark of respect. (Express Photo)

In a statement, Stalin noted that he was shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing the news. “As an actor, political leader, leader of Nadigar Sangam, member of the state assembly and as an opposition leader, whatever role he took, he got fully involved in that and was supportive to everyone.  He was a family friend, and had deep affection towards Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar,” Stalin said, calling Vijayakanth a man with a good heart.

Listing the events where Vijayakanth expressed his deepest respect to M Karunanidhi, Stalin said the actor’s passing was a deep loss to Tamil Nadu and the film fraternity. He also announced that the DMDK leader would be laid to rest with full state honours.

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

Leaders of various other political parties, including All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Congress, BJP and Makkal Needhi Maiam, and members of the film industry also expressed their condolences.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Vijayakanth’s contributions to cinema and politics have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. “My heartfelt condolences to this family and fans during this difficult time,” he said in a post on X.

The mortal remains of the DMDK leader were taken to his residence at Saligramam and later to the party office in Koyambedu. The party flag was seen flying at half-mast at the office as a mark of respect.

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

Hundreds of cadres gathered at Vijayakanth’s residence and the party office to catch a glimpse of their leader for the last time.

Vijayakanth, who had been admitted to a private hospital earlier in November and had required pulmonary support, was discharged after nearly three weeks. On December 14, he made his first public appearance after being discharged to participate in DMDK’s executive and general council meeting where it was announced that his wife Premalatha Vijayakanth would be the party’s new general secretary.