Top Tamil actor-politician Vijaykanth dies at 71; Modi condoles: ‘A void that will be hard to fill’

Vijaykanth, who was also called ‘Captain’, was not well and kept a low profile for four-five years.

• Shubham
• 28 December, 2023

Follow Us

By: Shubham Ghosh

VIJAYKANTH, a popular actor-turned-politician from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, passed away on Thursday (28) in state capital Chennai. He was 71.

The late leader, who founded the party DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), was ill and kept a low profile for the past four-five years. His wife Premlatha formally took up the reins of the party earlier this month and became the general secretary.

Vijaykanth, who was also called ‘Captain’, had once sowed seeds of hope among his fans, admirers and the people of the state on the possibility of forming a third alternative to the two Dravidian major parties that dominate Tamil Nadu’s politics — DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam).

In a medical release, authorities at the hospital where Vijaykanth died said, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”

In 2011, Vijayakanth allied with the AIADMK of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa in the state polls and won them. But they had a rift later and the DMDK founder went on to become the Leader of the Opposition.

Modi condoles Vijaykanth’s death

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the passing away Vijayakanth and said his death has left a void that will be hard to fill. In a post on X in English and Tamil, Modi said: “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.”

He said as a political leader, Vijayakanth was deeply committed to public service, and has left 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,” he added.

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

State honours for Vijaykanth

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Thursday announced full state honours for Vijayakanth’s funeral. In his condolence message, Stalin expressed shock and grief over Vijayakanth’s death and hailed him as an achiever; both as an actor and as a leader in public life. As a mark of homage, the government will accord full state honours for Vijayakanth’s funeral, Stalin announced. The DMDK founder’s death is a huge loss for Tamil Nadu and the world of cinema, the chief minister said and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members and party workers.

Stalin visited the residence of Vijaykanth in Chennai and paid him floral tributes and spoke to the bereaved members of the family.

சென்னையில் உடல்நலக்குறைவால் காலமான தேசிய முற்போக்கு திராவிடக் கழக தலைவர் கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் இல்லத்திற்கு மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் நேரில் சென்று, மலர்மாலை வைத்து அஞ்சலி செலுத்தி, குடும்பத்தினருக்கு ஆறுதல் கூறினார்.#Vijayakanth pic.twitter.com/LoTfWqFKt1

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) December 28, 2023

(With PTI inputs)