Tamil actor and DMDK founder Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai due to Covid-19 complications. The 71-year-old, known for his roles in Tamil cinema alongside icons like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, succumbed to pneumonia while on ventilator support at a private hospital. He is survived by his wife Premalatha and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakaran.
Earlier on Thursday, his party announced his Covid-19 positive status, revealing his hospitalization on Tuesday. Vijayakanth battled prolonged illness, including a visit to the US for organ transplant in 2017 and a toe amputation due to diabetes complications in June 2022.
Born Vijayaraj in Madurai to Alargarswami and Aandal, Vijayakanth gained fame as a down-to-earth persona in the film industry, earning the monikers 'Karuppu MGR' and 'Puratchi Kalaignar' from his fans. Fondly called 'Captain' after his film 'Captain Prabhakaran,' he seamlessly portrayed revolutionary characters and won accolades, including a Filmfare award for 'Amman Kovil Kizhakale' in 1986 and a Tamil Nadu government award for 'Senthoora Poove' in 1988.
Vijayakanth made history by starring in lead roles in 18 films in 1984, and his movies like 'Sattam Oru Iruttarai' were remade in multiple languages. His career spanned over three decades, featuring hits like 'Vaidegi Kathirunthal,' 'Oomai Vizhigal,' 'Cooliekkaran,' 'Uzhavan Magan,' 'Poonthootta Kavalkaaran,' and 'Senthoora Poove.'
Apart from his film career, Vijayakanth was known for his philanthropy and efforts to clear the debts of the South Indian Artistes Association. Transitioning his fan clubs into the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005, he entered electoral politics. His party saw significant success after aligning with Jayalalithaa's AIADMK in 2011, winning 29 out of 40 seats and elevating Vijayakanth to the position of the opposition leader, pushing the DMK to third place.
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