Veteran Tamil actor and politician Vijayakanth of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) passed away in Chennai on Thursday morning, December 28. He was 71. Fondly addressed as 'Captain' by his countless fans and the DMDK party cadre, Vijayakanth had been admitted to the MIOT Hospital in Chennai and was put on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. The DMDK had earlier in the day informed in an official statement that he tested Covid-19 positive and was subsequently put on a ventilator due to breathing issues. The news of Vijayakanth's passing has come as a huge shock to his fans everywhere, with leading personalities from Tamil cinema and politics paying their heartfelt condolences and emotional tributes on social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tribute to Vijayakanth on X calling him a "legend" in Tamil cinema, while highlighting his efforts in "public service" as a political leader. He posted, "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. 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." (sic)
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. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2023
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed his condolences and informed that Vijayakanth will be given full State honors. He wrote, "The news of the demise of our dear friend, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Captain Vijayakanth, has caused great shock and pain. The demise of our dear friend Vijayakanth, fondly known as Captain Vijayakanth by Tamil people, is a loss to Tamil Nadu and the film world. As a tribute to Vijayakanth, his final journey will be given full state honors." (sic)
அன்பிற்கினிய நண்பர் - தேசிய முற்போக்கு திராவிடக் கழகத் தலைவர் கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்கள் மறைவெய்திய செய்தி பெரும் அதிர்ச்சியையும் வேதனையையும் ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளது.
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) December 28, 2023
கேப்டன் எனத் தமிழ் மக்களால் அன்புடன் அழைக்கப்படும் அன்பு நண்பர் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவு தமிழ்நாட்டிற்கும்… pic.twitter.com/ZcT7ubisc4
Indian National Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi noted Vijayakanth's contributions to cinema and politics in his tribute. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the demise of DMDK founder, Thiru Vijayakanth ji. His contributions to cinema and politics have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans during this difficult time." (sic)
Deeply saddened by the demise of DMDK founder, Thiru Vijayakanth ji.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 28, 2023
His contributions to cinema and politics have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans during this difficult time.
Several notable Tamil cinema celebrities too shared their condolences on social media after hearing the news of Vijayakanth's passing, including Kamal Haasan, who called him a "unique actor" and one who would lend a helping hand to the poor. His statement in Tamil translated in English is as follows: "The news of the death of my beloved brother Vijayakanth, the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, a unique actor and captain of Tamil cinema, who was loved by all, is deeply saddening. He lived with humanity in every action. He was the creator of innovative ideas in Tamil Nadu politics. He extended a helping hand to the poor. Fearless courage was his hallmark. Vijayakanth, a revolutionary artist who made his mark in both the fields of cinema and politics, will remain forever in our memories. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his family, cadre and fans who are grieving his loss." (sic)
எனது அன்பிற்கினிய சகோதரர், தேசிய முற்போக்குத் திராவிட கழகத்தின் நிறுவனத் தலைவர், தமிழ் சினிமாவின் தனித்துவம் மிக்க நடிகர், கேப்டன் என்று அனைவராலும் அன்பு பாராட்டப்பட்ட விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவுச் செய்தி மிகுந்த துயரத்தைத் தருகிறது.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 28, 2023
தன் ஒவ்வொரு செயலிலும் மனிதநேயத்தைக்…
Iconic Tamil cinema director Bharathiraja, in an emotional statement, shared his agony after hearing the news of Vijayakanth's passing. His statement in Tamil translated in English is as follows: "The demise of my friend Captain Thiru. Vijayakanth is giving me a lot of grief and pain. His death is a big loss to Tamil cinema. I convey my deepest condolences to his family and the DMDK cadre who are mourning his death @iVijayakanth" (sic)
எனது நண்பர்
— Bharathiraja (@offBharathiraja) December 28, 2023
கேப்டன் திரு.விஜயகாந்த்
அவர்களின் மறைவு
மிகுந்த துயரமும், வேதனையும்
அளிக்கின்றது.அவரின்மறைவு
எங்கள் தமிழ் திரைப்படத்
துறைக்கு பேரிழப்பாகும்
அவரை இழந்து வாடும்
அவரது குடும்பத்தினருக்கும்
தேமுதிக தொண்டர்களுக்கும்
ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கலைத் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்@iVijayakanth pic.twitter.com/8rSTiHxLXu
Leading Tamil actor 'Chiyaan' Vikram recalled how Vijayakanth was a caring person who loved everyone. He posted, "Saddened to hear the passing of one of the most loving and caring beings ever. We will miss you Captain!! #RIP" (sic)
Saddened to hear the passing of one of the most loving and caring beings ever. We will miss you Captain!! #RIP
— Vikram (@chiyaan) December 28, 2023
Filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss, who collaborated with Vijayakanth in Ramana (2002), posted in Tamil on X that the memories of the actor-politician and his helping hand will never fade away. His statement translated in English reads, "That majesty, that humanity, that honesty, when will we see again Captain, your memory and your help will never disappear! This is my tearful tribute 🙏" (sic)
அந்த கம்பீரம், அந்த மனிதநேயம், அந்த நேர்மை, இனி எப்போது காண்போம் கேப்டன், உங்கள் நினைவுக்கும் ,உங்கள் உதவிகளுக்கும் என்றும் மறைவு இல்லை! ஆழ்ந்த கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி 🙏
— A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) December 28, 2023
Veteran Telugu actor Chiranjeevi recalled how Vijayakanth "was a wonderful human being" and said that he was "loved by the Telugu Audiences" even though he never acted in any Telugu films. He posted, "Heartbroken to know that our ‘Puratchi Kalingar’, ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth is no more. He was a wonderful human being, Hero of the Masses,a multi faceted personality and an astute politician. Though he never acted in straight Telugu films, he is hugely popular and loved by the Telugu Audiences too. Our beloved ‘Captain’ has left us too soon leaving an irreplaceable void! My heartfelt condolences to his numerous fans, family and well wishers. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🙏" (sic)
Heartbroken to know that our ‘Puratchi Kalingar’, ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth is no more. He was a wonderful human being, Hero of the Masses,a multi faceted personality and an astute politician. Though he never acted in straight Telugu films, he is hugely popular and loved by the… pic.twitter.com/r0N4olxFrL
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) December 28, 2023
Actress Trisha shared that she will remember Vijayakanth's kind-heartedness and wrote, "RIP Captain😔Lots of love and strength to Premalatha ma’am and his family. I’ll forever remember your kindness❤️" (sic)
RIP Captain😔Lots of love and strength to Premalatha ma’am and his family.I’ll forever remember your kindness❤️
— Trish (@trishtrashers) December 28, 2023
Actor Vijay Sethupathi posted a vintage picture of Vijayakanth and extended his condolences.
கேப்டனின் மறைவிற்கு ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல் 💔#Vijayakanth #RIPVijayakanth pic.twitter.com/LGp0ZZ1nUV
— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) December 28, 2023
Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith posted a picture of Vijayakanth and conveyed his deepest condolences.
ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்!!! Miss you 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Qozpubt9LC
— pa.ranjith (@beemji) December 28, 2023
Actor-politician Sarathkumar, who acted alongside Vijayakanth in films Pulan Visaranai (1990) and Captain Prabhakaran (1991), expressed his shock and said that he along with millions of fans were hoping for 'Captain' to make a recovery and be active again. He wrote, "I was shocked to hear the news that my dear friend 'Puratchi Kalaignar' Captain Vijayakanth is no longer with us. The news shocked lakhs of people who loved him, like me who hoped that one day the captain would recover and be active again. I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, close relatives, Tamil film artists, fans, DMDK party members and the people of Tamil Nadu. I pray to God to rest his soul in peace."
அன்பு நண்பர் புரட்சிக்கலைஞர் கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்கள் நம்முடன் இல்லை என்ற செய்தி கேட்டு பேரதிர்ச்சிக்குள்ளானேன். என்றாவது ஒருநாள் குணமடைந்து, என்றும் போல் கேப்டன் மீண்டும் சுறுசுறுப்புடன் இயங்குவார் என எதிர்பார்த்த என்னை போல், அவரை நேசித்த லட்சோபலட்ச மக்களை இச்செய்தி… pic.twitter.com/DJjKVYf5N0
— R Sarath Kumar (@realsarathkumar) December 28, 2023
A shocked filmmaker Cheran stated that he was searching for words after hearing the news of Vijayakanth's death. He statement in Tamil translated in English reads, "I am searching for words captain.. I don't feel like writing any words for you about the news of your death.. You are the one who lived and showed the best throughout your life... Get freedom from the disease... I bow down.. #CaptainVijayakanth"
வார்த்தைகளை தேடுகிறேன் கேப்டன்.. இறப்பு செய்தி குறித்த எந்த வார்த்தைகளுமே உங்களுக்காக எழுத மனம் ஒவ்வவில்லை.. வாழும் காலம் முழுதும் சிறந்த மனிதனாய் வாழ்ந்து காண்பித்தவர் நீங்கள்...
— Cheran (@directorcheran) December 28, 2023
தீரா நோயிலிருந்து விடுதலை பெற்று போய் வாருங்கள்...
வணங்குகிறேன்.. #CaptainVijayakanth pic.twitter.com/kYLRKhM9rO
Actor Arun Vijay posted a picture of Vijayakanth and described his passing as a big loss to humanity stating that he was one who cared about everyone. He wrote, "#Captain An immense loss to humanity 💔 A person who cared about everyone. A man with a heart of pure gold. No words can express our grief. My personal mentor & one I looked up to in the film industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family, fans & followers. #RipVijaykanth sir🙏🏽" (sic)
#Captain
— ArunVijay (@arunvijayno1) December 28, 2023
An immense loss to humanity 💔
A person who cared about everyone.
A man with a heart of pure gold. No words can express our grief.
My personal mentor & one I looked up to in the film industry.
Heartfelt condolences to his family, fans & followers.#RipVijaykanth sir🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/dCJRTfMC39
Actor Ashok Selvan too posted a picture of Vijayakanth and called his death "too personal". He wrote, "This feels too personal. Your legacy will live on forever. Goodbye, Captain 👑 #RipVijayakanth" (sic)
This feels too personal. Your legacy will live on forever. Goodbye, Captain 👑 #RipVijayakanth pic.twitter.com/Wva8sfhxOa
— Ashok Selvan (@AshokSelvan) December 28, 2023
Ayalaan director R. Ravikumar too shared his sorrow after hearing the news of Vijayakanth's death. He wrote, "The news of Captain Vijayakanth's death is very sad. How many characters has he portrayed that have entertained people. His majestic body language and voice will remain in the mind's eye. There is no one as sweet as you, Captain. A tearful tribute to the one who helped everyone."
கேப்டன் விஜயகாந்த் அவர்கள் மறைவு செய்தி மிகத்துயரமளிக்கிறது. மக்களை மகிழ்வித்த எத்தனை கதாபாத்திரங்கள், கம்பீரமான அவரது உடல்மொழியும் குரலும் மனக்கண்ணில் நிழலாடுகிறது. உங்களை போல இனியாரும் இல்லை கேப்டன். தானத்தில் சிறந்த வள்ளலுக்கு கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி🥺 pic.twitter.com/1NBqL9gAQg
— Ravikumar R (@Ravikumar_Dir) December 28, 2023
