Chennai: Popular Tamil Actor and comedian Vivek breathed last at around 4:45 am on Thursday (17 April) at a private hospital in Chennai.
Dr Ravi Sivasami, who treated Vivek at the hospital reported that the actor’s health started to deteriorate at 2am on April 17. The veteran comedian was bought in after he suffered a massive heart attack on April 16, following which the next 45 minutes were very crucial to resuscitate him. Coronary angiogram was followed by Angioplasty. Later he was shifted on ECMO support at around 4:35 am before he breathed last.
The death of the actor created huge fire across the public as it occurred after the administration of his first COVID jab at a public event in the presence of Tamil Nadu’s Health Secretary to promote vaccination.
However, the hospital clarified that he suffered an acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock. There was 100 percent blockage in a vessel and his cardiac arrest may not be due to the vaccination. Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Dr Radhakrishnan said,” Vivek was one of those who voluntarily came forward to create awareness on public health and social issues. The cardiac arrest he suffered had no link with the Covid vaccine shot that he took.“
PM Modi tweeted his condolences to the family and praised his talent.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The comedian lost his 13-year-old son in 2015 due to brain fever and dengue, following which the actor resolved to volunteer for health and social causes.
His mortal remains have been kept at his Virugambakkam residence in Chennai for those who want to pay their last respects.