Tamil actor-politician Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai on Thursday morning, December 28. He was 71. Addressed as 'Captain' by his countless fans around the world, Vijayakanth, who also founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party in 2005, was admitted to the MIOT Hospital in the city on Tuesday and was put on ventilatory support following complications of pneumonia. With the news of the iconic actor's death sending shockwaves among his fans and the film fraternity, several leading Tamil cinema names have paid their respects and tributes in person and on social media, with National Award winner Suriya now conveying his heartfelt condolences.
Suriya recalled on X how Vijayakanth extended a helping hand to everyone at all times, while also speaking about the Tamil cinema stalwart's fortitude. His statement in Tamil translated into English reads, "The days of working, talking, and eating together with him are unforgettable... He has never said no to anyone who asked anything from him. My deepest condolences to Annan Vijayakanth who rose as the Puratchi Kalaignan by helping everyone." In the video, Suriya said, "My heart is in a lot of pain after hearing the news of Annan Vijayakanth's death. He lived with courage in one eye and compassion in another and was a rare artiste. As 'Puratchi Kalaignar' and as 'Captain', he did everything for everyone and held a special place in all our hearts. I pray to the Almighty for Annan Vijayakanth's soul to rest in peace. I convey my deepest condolences to his family and his lakhs of fans everywhere."
அவருடன் பணியாற்றிய, பேசிப்பழகிய, சேர்ந்து சாப்பிட்ட நாட்கள் மறக்க முடியாதவை…
— Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) December 28, 2023
யார் என்ன கேட்டாலும் இல்லை என்று அவர் சொன்னதே இல்லை..
கடைக்கோடி மக்கள் வரை உதவி செய்து புரட்சிக் கலைஞனாக உயர்ந்த அண்ணன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவிற்கு ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்!! pic.twitter.com/PHeqHNG3uk
Tamil cinema fans will know that Vijayakanth made an extended cameo appearance in Suriya's Periyanna (1999) directed by 'Thalapathy' Vijay's father S. A. Chandrasekhar. He also made a special appearance as himself in the Suriya and Jyotika-starrer, Maayavi (2005). The news of Vijayakanth's death was announced by the MIOT Hospital in a medical bulletin earlier in the day that read, " '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."
தேமுதிக தலைவரும், நடிகருமான விஜயகாந்த் மரணம் குறித்து மருத்துவமனை நிர்வாகம் அறிக்கை!#Vijayakanth #DMDK #RIPVijayakanth #CaptainVijayakanth #GalattaNews pic.twitter.com/9asjM8YhvE
— Galatta Media (@galattadotcom) December 28, 2023
