Actor turned politician DMDK Founder Vijayakanth passes away

Popular Tamil film actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) Founder Vijayakanth passed away here on Thursday morning. He ws 71.He is survived by his wife and Party General Secretary Premalatha and two sons. Mr Vijayakanth, hailed as 'Captain' by the DMDK cadres, was admitted to hospital yesterday.

He later tested positive for COVID and died due to pneumonia, a bulletin from MIOT hospital, where he was admitted said.It said the actor was put on ventilator support and died despite best of treatment.

Popularly called as Black MGR for his various philanthropic activities. the ever smiling actor was earlier admitted to the hospital for nearly three weeks last month and was discharged later.

Yesterday evening, a party release said that Vijayakanth was admitted to hospital for a routine check-up and that he would be discharged in 2 days.However, he developed COVID and breathed his last on Thursday morning,the hospital said.

An active actor and politician and politically took on both the DMK and the AIADMK, the mortal remains of Mr Vijayakanth, who had been keeping was taken to his Valasaravakkam residence where DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief MinisterM.K.Stalin visited and paid his last respects.

Later, it was taken to the DMDK Party Office at Koyambedu, where tens and hundreds of wailing DMDK cadres, including women, thronged to pay their last respects.

His body would be laid to rest at the party office tomorrow evening, party sources said. Vijayakanth was also a two time MLA and created ripples by contesting alone and winning a good percentage of votes in his party's maiden electoral venture in 2006 after announcing his political entry with great fanfare by launching his own political outfit at a massive meeting
in Madurai.

Vijayakanth had also served as the Leader of the Opposition during 2011-16 after forging an alliance with the AIADMK led by former Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa by winning 29 of the 41 seats his party had contested.

However, following some differences and a bitter face-off in the State Assembly, Ms Jayalalithaa snapped her party's ties with the DMDK after expressing regret for forging an alliance with Mr Vijayakanth.

Personalities from the Tamil film industry, including actors, actresses and artistes,Tamil Nadu Governor R.N.Ravi, Chief Minister and leaders of various political parties including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J P Nadda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra condoled his death and paid rich tributes to the departed actor.

Mr Vijayakanth had been keeping a low profile and was away from active political scenario for the last few years due to ill-health though he participated in the party affairs and meetings.Condolences from across the country poured in following his death and the Chief Minister said.

The last rites of the acto-politician would be held with full state honours.In his condolence message, Mr Ravi said "deeply pained by the passing away of accomplished actor, dedicated leader, and great humanitarian Thiru. Vijayakanth."

In a social media post, the Raj Bhavan said "His outstanding contributions to cinema, politics, and service to society will ever be remembered. My prayers are with his family and countless followers. Om Shanti!- Governor Ravi".

In a condolence statement, Mr Stalin said "I paid my last respects to my dear friend - National Progressive Dravidian Association President Captain Vijayakanth.Friend Vijayakanth, who has a good heart, is an achiever who has made successful marks through his hard work in the film industry and in public life, he said.

As an actor, actor's union president, political party leader, legislator, leader of the opposition, whatever task he took up, he devoted himself fully to it and supported everyone around him. He was familiar to me as a family friend.Friend Vijayakanth, a Tamil sensation who conducted family events including his marriage under the chairmanship of former DMK Patriarch and Chief Miniser M.Karunanidhi when he was the president of the Actors' Association, praised him for his Golden Jubilee in the art world, held a grand ceremony on behalf of the film industry and presented him with a golden pen.

"No one can forget that when Mr Karunanidhi was indisposed, he personally came to inquire about his health. And when Mr Karunanidhi passed away, his friend Vijayakanth who was abroad sent a tearful video and expressed his condolence, and when he returned from abroad, he went directly to his memorial on the Chennai beach front at midnight from the airport to pay his respects' Mr Stalin recalled.

The times when he worked together in the arts with his friend Vijayakanth, a noble man with Tamil sensibility and a generous heart, are shadowed in my heart. The memory blooms that I participated in the song scene written by the artist in the film 'Makkal Samditital' starring Vijayakanth in the dialogues of Muthamizharinagar artist. Friendship with him has never changed in any era and in any political environment. When my friend Vijayakanth was ill, I visited him twice and wanted him to get well soon. Nature is mercilessly taking my friend's life.

The demise of our dear friend Vijayakanth, fondly known as 'Captain' by Tamil people, is a major loss to Tamil Nadu and the film world.Mr Stalin expressed deep grief and anguish and offered his condolences to Captain Vijayakanth's family, including his sister Premalatha Vijayakanth, the volunteers of the National Progressive Dravidian Association, the film industry and fans. Condolences on behalf of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Mr. As a tribute to Vijayakanth, his last journey will be given full state honors.

BJP State President K.Annamalai, AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition
Edappadi K.Palaniswami, ousted AIADMK leader O.Panneerselvam, leaders cutting across party lines, including those from Tamil Maanila Congress, Indian National Congress, MMK, TVK and the two left oarties--CPI and CPI(M)--offered their condolences.

In a post on X, Mr Annamalai said "With a heavy heart, I offer my tearful tribute to Captain who excelled in friendship, cinema, actors' union and politics"."As long as the world endures, your fame will not fade...#CaptainVijayakanth. Om Shanti", he said.DMK MP Kanimozhi also offered her condolences.

Winner of several awards and honours, Vijayakanth was born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami in Madurai on August 25, 1952 to K. N. Alagarswami and Aandal Azhagarswami.He married Premalatha on January 31, 1990 and had two sons, including Shanmuga Pandian, an actor who starred in Sagaptham (2015) and Madura Veeran (2018).

In his acting career lasting more than a decades, he had donned multiple roles and later switched as an action hero and had acted in more than 150 films, with a majority of being being success at the box office.

His films was also loaded with political message and highlighted the societal issues, fighting for the rights of the people's cause.Vijayakanth was one of very few Tamil actors to have acted only in Tamil films throughout his career.

His films have mostly been dubbed into Telugu and Hindi.Vijayakanth was nikcnamed "Puratchi Kalingar" (revolutionary artist) in the film industry. He was also known for portraying a patriotic, village do-gooder and dual role acting in his films. Many refused to play with him and great filmmakers did not show up to make films. He acted in more than 20 films as a police officer. He was best known for low-budget films that showcased gravity-defying stunts in which he would single-handedly thrash his enemies.

Most of his films revolved around corruption, honesty and keeping up promises.He worked 3 shifts per day and that was his dedication towards his craft. Vijayakanth took delayed remunerations and sometimes didn't take them at all to benefit the struggling producers. More importantly, he didn't try to publicize these and let the world see it for themselves and take inspiration.

Upon entering the film industry to pursue an acting career, he changed to "Vijayakanth", dropping the "Raj" out of his name and suffixing it with "Kanth," by his first film M. A. Kaja's Inikkum Ilamai (1979). He then had success with 'Sattam Oru Iruttarai' (1981), directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar; with whom he did movies mostly. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was an action icon with a consistent box-office appeal. He got the sobriquet "Captain" after the 100th film, Captain Prabhakaran (1991).

Vijayakanth was cast in 'Inikkum Ilamai' (1979), his first film where he played an antagonist, which was directed by M. A. Kaja. His subsequent films 'Agal Vilakku' (1979), Neerottam (1980) and Saamanthippoo (1980) were box-office flops. His film Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam (1980), was screened at the Indian Panorama of the International Film Festival of India.

However the film that strongly launched him as a commercial hero was Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981), directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar. It was remade in Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada languages. In his formative years, Vijayakanth acted in films carrying revolutionary and radical thoughts such as Sivappu Malli (1981) and Jadhikkoru Needhi (1981). In these films, he brilliantly portrayed the angry young revolutionist characters. He then played a villain role in Om Shakti (1982) but after which he never portrayed antagonist characters in his career.
Slowly he started acting in commercial films on action, romance and sentimental themes and gradually rose to the top and with many super hit films like Nooravathu Naal (1984) and Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal (1984). This year, he had 18 releases. He became the Tamil cinema actor to release the most films in a year in the lead role.

He acted in Annai Bhoomi 3D (1985), the first 3D film made in the Tamil film industry where he acted alongside Radha Ravi and Kannada actor Tiger Prabhakar. He co-starred with Kannada superstar actor Vishnuvardhan in Eetti (1985).

The romantic comedy Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri (1985) was a commercial success. He acted in Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1986), which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. He also acted in Manakanakku (1986), the only film where Kamal Haasan and Vijayakanth worked together, followed by Oomai Vizhigal (1986) which became a cult classic. It portrayed him in an unusual role of an aged cop. He became an indisputable competitor of stalwarts Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

In 1987, he co-starred with Sivaji Ganesan in Veerapandiyan, followed by successful movies as Cooliekkaran, Veeran Veluthambi, Ninaive Oru Sangeetham, Sattam Oru Vilayaattu and Uzhavan Magan. In 1988, he worked in films such as Therkathi Kallan, Nallavan and Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran. In Senthoora Poove, Vijayakanth won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. In 1989, he also starred in two other super hit films such as Paattukku Oru Thalaivan and Ponmana Selvan. This followed the crime Rajanadai and the Hindu devotional film Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal.

Throughout the 1990s, Vijayakanth excelled in versatile roles in a variety of films falling under various genres though he was more popular as an action hero including Pulan Visaranai and had R. Sarathkumar portraying the antagonist. Directed by R. K. Selvamani, this film was considered to be one of the best Tamil crime thrillers of its time.

Vijayakanth starred in superhit cop flick Sathriyan, produced by Mani Ratnam, about an honest cop and a corrupt politician. After the success of Pulan Visaranai, Rowther decided to start another project with Vijayakanth and director R. K. Selvamani, titled Captain Prabhakaran (1991).

It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, after which he earned the sobriquet "Captain" ever since he portrayed an IFS officer After M.G.R, Sivaji Ganesan and Jayalalithaa, he was the only actor to have tasted a silver jubilee hit in his 100th film. The film was a commercial success upon its release, followed by Maanagara Kaaval (1991) under the popular AVM banner and Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum (1991).

Vijayakanth worked in films such as Chinna Gounder (1992). This film was radically different from Vijayakanth's earlier portrayals, as he was donning the role of a soft-spoken village chieftain. This film was ranked third in Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film, followed by Bharathan (1992), Thai Mozhi (1992) and Kaviya Thalaivan (1992).

He also appeared in various roles such as Koyil Kaalai (1993), Ezhai Jaathi (1993), Sakkarai Devan (1993), Rajadurai (1993) and Enga Muthalali (1993). He co-starred with the son of the director S. A. Chandrasekhar (SAC), Vijay in Sendhoorapandi (1993), where Vijayakanth plays the role of elder brother. Director SAC thought a film with Vijayakanth would give an impetus to Vijay's film career. Vijayakanth played an extended cameo role in this film for which he did not take any remuneration.He turned out to be a hit. In 1994, he appears in Sethupathi IPS, Honest Raj, Pathavi Pramanam, En Aasai Machan and Periya Marudhu. He then acted in Karuppu Nila (1995), Thirumoorthy (1995) and Gandhi Pirantha Mann (1995).

For his performance in the action film Thayagam (1996), he won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize. This was followed by Tamizh Selvan and Alexander. In 1997, his film Dharma Chakkaram (1997), was directed by K. S. Ravikumar. He acted in his 125th film Ulavuthurai (1998), followed by Dharma (1998) and Veeram Vilanja Mannu (1998). His following films were Kallazhagar (1999), Periyanna (1999) where he played alongside Suriya. He also starred in R. B. Choudary's production, Kannupada Poguthaiya (1999) under the banner Super Good Films.

In 2000s, Vijayakanth continued his success streak with such blockbuster films as Vaanathai Pola a rural family drama directed by Vikraman, which won two awards; a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film of the year and National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. This was followed by Vallarasu and Simmasanam. After this year, he again played in action films such as Vaanchinathan (2001) directed by Shaji Kailas and Narasimha (2001).

Then came Viswanathan Ramamoorthy (2001), in which he made a cameo appearance and the village drama Thavasi (2001). All these films received mixed reviews from critics at the box office. In 2002, he acted in Raajjiyam followed by Devan, co-starring with the actor and directed by Arun Pandian. In director AR Murugadoss's Ramanaa, he underplayed as a realistic action hero and gave life to the role of an anti-corruption crusader.

He won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film of the year and became commercially successful. In 2003, he had two releases, Chokka Thangam, a family drama and Thennavan, a political film. In 2004, he appeared in a comedy-drama, Engal Anna which was a success. However, Gajendra and Neranja Manasu received negative reviews. Later, he did a special appearance in Suriya's film Maayavi (2005). In 2006, he acted in three action films, Sudesi, Perarasu and Dharmapuri.

The next year, he starred in Sabari (2007). His 150th film was Arasangam (2008), about a police officer who discovers and unravels the mystery behind a terrorist gang plotting to steal information about the growth of the Indian economy, set in Chennai then Toronto. He acted in the drama Mariyadhai (2009), in the second film with director Vikraman, after Vaanathai Pola followed by the action Engal Aasan (2009), where he co-starred with Vikranth, the cousin of actor Vijay.

This year, Vijayakanth received a Filmfare Top 10 Legends of Tamil Cinema Award, over the course of his three-decade career as a screen star.Vijayakanth acted and directed the film, Virudhagiri (2010), a remake of the French film Taken. After taking a hiatus of five years without films, he made a cameo appearance with his son, the first film of actor Shanmuga Pandian in Sagaptham (2015). In November 2015, he came back to acting in a feature film - Arun Ponnambalam's Thamizhan Endru Sol, alongside his son, Shanmuga Pandian, the second film with him. The film began production during November 2015, and had been temporarily suspended owing to the upcoming TN Assembly elections and the deteriorating health of Vijayakanth.

He played 154 movies and was one of the most adored film personalities in the Tamil industry. Vijayakanth was listed by The Cinemaholic among the top 20 best Tamil actors of all time.(UNI)