Chennai: Actor and DMDK chief Vijayakanth, 71, died at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday. He was on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19, as per his party. However, the hospital’s statement mentioned he had pneumonia.
A statement by the hospital read, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”
The DMDK chief had earlier been admitted to a hospital on November 20. He was undergoing treatment for a respiratory illness at the hospital.
Vijayakanth’s journey in the public eye has been marked by his successful career in the film industry, where he acted in 154 movies, and his subsequent foray into politics.
Vijayakanth, the name synonymous with both celluloid action and fiery political speeches, breathed his last today, leaving behind a complex legacy straddling film and politics. From his humble beginnings as a stuntman to becoming a beloved action hero and eventually the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), his journey was as dramatic as the fight sequences he so often choreographed.
Vijayakanth’s rise to film stardom was meteoric. His raw charisma and dedication to action sequences resonated with the masses, making him a household name in Tamil Nadu. He carved a niche for himself in vigilante roles, championing the underdog and delivering crowd-pleasing dialogues that resonated with the frustrations of the common man. His popularity transcended caste and class lines, making him a true populist icon.
In 2005, Vijayakanth took the plunge into politics, disillusioned with the state of affairs in Tamil Nadu. He founded the DMDK, aiming to provide a voice for the marginalized and challenge the dominance of the Dravidian parties. His fiery speeches, often laced with his signature film dialogues, attracted large crowds and resonated with a section of the electorate yearning for change.
However, Vijayakanth’s political journey was not without its challenges. His party struggled to translate initial enthusiasm into consistent electoral gains, often falling short of forming a government. Additionally, his health issues hampered his active participation in politics, raising questions about the party’s future without its charismatic leader.
Despite these challenges, Vijayakanth’s legacy remains significant. He challenged the political status quo in Tamil Nadu, offering a new alternative and giving voice to those often unheard. His film career, with its focus on social themes and championing the downtrodden, resonated with the aspirations of ordinary people.
As the curtains close on Vijayakanth’s life, it is a story not just of an actor or politician, but of a man who dared to dream big and translate those dreams into reality, both on screen and in the political arena.
He founded the DMDK and served as a Member of Legislative Assembly twice, representing the constituencies of Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam. His political career peaked when he became the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
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