GUWAHATI: Actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijayakant breathed his last on Thursday morning at a private hospital.
The 71-year-old actor was on ventilator support due to pneumonia. Survived by his wife, Premalatha, and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakaran, the veteran actor’s demise marked the end of an era in Tamil entertainment and politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, remembering Vijayakant as a legend of the Tamil film world.
“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 wrote.
Vijayakant, born as Vijayaraj in Madurai, rose to fame alongside Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in the Tamil film industry.
His down-to-earth persona earned him endearing nicknames such as “Karuppu MGR” and “Puratchi Kalaignar”.
Fondly called “Captain” by supporters after his 100th hit film Captain Prabhakaran, Vijayakant effortlessly portrayed revolutionary characters that resonated with the audience.
The actor, who had been in and out of hospitals for prolonged illnesses, faced health challenges, including organ transplant surgery in the US in 2017 and toe amputation due to diabetes in June 2022.
His stellar film career, spanning over three decades, showcased remarkable hits such as Sattam Oru Iruttarai, Vaidegi Kathirunthal, Amman Kovil Kizhakale, Oomai Vizhigal, and Senthoora Poove, among others.
Vijayakant’s contributions to Tamil cinema earned him accolades, including a Filmfare award for Amman Kovil Kizhakale in 1986.
Beyond acting, Vijayakant ventured into politics, founding the DMDK in 2005.
His political career saw a meteoric rise in 2011 when DMDK aligned with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK, winning 29 seats out of 40 and making Vijayakant the leader of the opposition.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned extensively for PM Modi, earning praise and friendship from the national leader.
In 2016, he projected himself as the chief ministerial candidate for the People’s Welfare Front.
His last public appearance was at the DMDK general council meeting in December 2023.
