'Superstar' Rajinikanth paid homage to actor-politician 'Captain' Vijayakanth on Friday, December 29, at the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party office in Chennai. The Tamil actor paid his last respects to the late DMDK political party founder and offered his condolences to his family members - wife Premalatha Vijayakanth and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijay Prabhakar. Addressing the press and the public, Rajinikanth said about Vijayakanth, "I just arrived here from Kanyakumari where I was shooting. I was supposed to come here yesterday. This is a sad day. There is a lot to say about Vijayakanth, but most importantly, he is the definition of friendship. Once you get to spend time with him, you'll not forget his friendship for a lifetime. Everyone will become a slave to his love. And, that is why he has so many friends, who were and are ready to lay down their lives for him. He would express his anger at his friends, politicians, and the media, but nobody would have any resentment towards him because there's always a fair reason behind his indignation. There won't be any selfishness. There will be affection. He's the definition of courage and heroism."
Rajinikanth further stated, "Many people will have memories to share about him. I too have many to share, but there are two unforgettable incidents. When my health worsened and I was admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Hospital, there was a huge crowd gathered there and it was difficult to control all of them. Vijayakanth then came there and within five minutes got the area cleared. He then told my family to get him a room next to mine and said that he would handle anybody. That is something that I will never forget. Similarly, after we finished a show in Singapore and Malaysia organized by the Nadigar Sangam, it took me a little time to join the rest of them since many fans and media persons surrounded me. I was struggling to find a way out despite the bouncers trying their best. Meanwhile, he (Vijayakanth) was watching what was happening and then stepped out of the bus, and got the area completely cleared in a couple of minutes. He escorted me back to the bus and inquired whether I faced any problems. It's painful now to see what has happened to a person like him."
Concluding his speech, Rajinikanth said, "The moniker 'Captain' is something that suits Vijayakanth the best. He's played 71 balls. He has hit several sixers and boundaries, entertained the people, lost his wicket, and has now left this field known as our world. More than a million people have lived and gone, but who remains in the hearts of the people? That is Vjiayakanth. May Vijayakanth live on forever in our hearts."
Yesterday, Rajinikanth called off the shooting of his upcoming film, Vettaiyan, in Nagercoil as a mark of respect to Vijayakanth after hearing the news of his death and rushed to Chennai to pay his last respects to the Tamil cinema stalwart today. The DMDK founder passed away on December 28 following complications because of pneumonia. He was 71. The news of Vijayakanth's death was informed by the authorities at the MIOT Hospital in a medical bulletin that stated, " '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." The actor-politician's mortal remains were brought to the Island Grounds this morning and will kept for the public to pay their last respects till 1 p.m. after which the funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4.45 p.m.
Watch 'Superstar' Rajinikanth pay his tribute to 'Captain' Vijayakanth in the video below:
