Passing of Tamil Cinema icon & DMDK founder 'Captain' Vijayakanth leaves a void that will be hard to fill: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing away of Tamil super star and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijayakanth. He passed away at a private hospital Thursday after a prolonged illness.

As per a statement released by MIOT Hospital in Chennai, Vijayakanth, fondly called as 'Captain', was admitted for pneumonia and was placed on ventilator support due to the severity of his condition.

He is survived by wife, Premalatha, and two sons.

"Despite the best efforts of medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023," the hospital said in a release.

Mourning the death of Vijayakanth, PM Modi said, "Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions."

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"As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. He was a close friend and I fondly recall my interactions with him over the years. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family, fans and numerous followers. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Offering condolences to Vijayakanth's family and admirers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of DMDK leader and respected film veteran Vijayakanth Ji. Affectionately referred to as the captain, Vijaykanth Ji inspired patriotism among people both through his onscreen and offscreen roles."

For the past 4-5 years, Vijayakanth has been keeping unwell and kept a low profile. On 14 December, he participated in DMDK's executive and general council meeting during which his wife formally took over the reins of the party after she was declared the general secretary.

Why was Vijayakanth called 'Captain'?

Vijayakanth was fondly referred to as 'Captain' because of his on-screen portrayal of military characters. Before entering into political, he featured in 154 films and had established himself as a versatile actor.

Vijayakanth's political journey

Vijayakanth debuted in the film industry in 1979 with ‘Iniikum Ilamai,’ however, he entered politics in 2005 by floating his party - DMDK, emerging as a new alternative in Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian politics, challenging parties like DMK and AIADMK.

Vijayakanth's party made its electoral debut in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMDK contested independently in 232 constituencies, and managed to secured a surprising 8.4 per cent of the votes with Vijayakanth being the sole winner. He had contested from Virudhachalam constituency.

In the next Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu in 2011, Vijayakanth's party had joined hands with AIADMK. The DMDK scrippted history by securing win on 29 seats, pushing the DMK to a distant third and becoming the state’s main opposition party.

Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011-2016.

Also, when DMDK contested alone in 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls and 2009 Lok Sabha elections, it had 8.4 per cent and 10.3 per cent vote share.

Vijayakanth's film carrer

Born as Vijayaraj on 25 August, 1952 in Madurai, Vijayakanth debuted in the film industry with ‘Iniikum Ilamai’ in 1979.

His popular films include Senthoora Poove, Pulan Visaranai, Chatriyan, Captain Prabhakaran, Chinna Gounder, Sethupathi IPS, Honest Raj, Vanathai Pola, and Ramana, among others. Vijayakanth also headed the actors’ body called Nadigar Sangam.

In 2001, Vijayakanth was honoured with the Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government, recognising his contributions to Tamil arts and cinema. His stellar performance in the 2002 anti-corruption film Ramanaa earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

With inputs from agencies