Actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Captain Vijayakanth, 71, passed away on Thursday morning after getting admitted for pneumonia. He was on ventilatory support at the MIOT International hospital in Chennai.
A statement by the hospital read, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 28, 2023
On Tuesday, the DMDK said he was admitted to the hospital for a regular health check-up. At the time, the party said Vijayakanth was “healthy” and would return home after the tests. However, today, the party said that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and is on ventilator support as he is facing difficulty in breathing.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin extended condolences and said Captain Vijayakanth would be laid to rest with State Honours.
Saying that Vijayakanth left a “lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes and stated, “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.”
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
Vijayakanth’s journey has been marked by a successful career in the film industry, where he acted in nearly 150 movies, and his subsequent entry into politics.
He founded the DMDK and served as a Member of Legislative Assembly twice, representing the constituencies of Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam. His party contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls for the first time in 2006 winning one seat, and turned the tables in the following election in 2011 and got 29 seats in alliance with the AIADMK.
His political career peaked when he became the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.