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Politics

Tamil Nadu Politician and Former Actor Vijayakanth No More

Vijayakanth, also known as ‘Captain’, was on ventilation support shortly before his death on Thursday morning. He had been discharged from an earlier stint in hospital two weeks ago.

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New Delhi: Leader of the Tamil Nadu-based Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party Vijayakanth died on Thursday (December 28) morning at 71.

He had received a COVID-19 diagnosis and was having trouble breathing, the DMDK said on its X (formerly Twitter) account.

His last rites will be held tomorrow evening at the party’s head office in Chennai.

Vijayakanth founded the DMDK in 2005 and was its sole winning candidate in the 2006 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election.

The party won 10% of the vote in the 2009 Lok Sabha election held in Tamil Nadu but went on the decline starting in the early 2010s.

A former actor, Vijayakanth is often referred to as ‘Captain’, including by his party, owing to the success of his 1991 film Captain Prabhakaran in which he played the lead character.

Regional and national leaders condoled Vijayakanth’s death on Thursday.

“The demise of our dear friend Vijayakanth, fondly known as Captain by Tamil people, is a loss to Tamil Nadu and the film world,” Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin said on X.

He added: “As a tribute to Vijayakanth, his last journey will be given full state honours.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over Vijayakanth’s death. “A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.”

Vijayakanth was admitted to hospital last month as he needed “pulmonary support”, The Hindu reported, adding that he was discharged two weeks ago.

He attended his last public function on December 14, where his wife and DMDK treasurer Premalatha was elected the party’s general secretary, The Hindu‘s report also said.