Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the Tamil actor and DMDK leader, describing him as a legend of the Tamil film world and a deeply dedicated political leader.

2 min read 2023-12-28, 05:00 PM IST

Summary of the content

• Prime Minister Modi expressed deep sorrow at the demise of Vijayakanth, highlighting his legendary status in Tamil cinema and impactful political role.
• Rahul Gandhi also conveyed grief, recognizing Vijayakanth’s significant contributions to both cinema and politics, extending condolences to his family and fans.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin paid tribute to Vijayakanth, praising his achievements and acknowledging him as an achiever with a good heart.
• The news of Vijayakanth’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from supporters, politicians, and actors, especially from the DMDK.
• The circumstances surrounding Vijayakanth’s hospitalization, initially attributed to COVID-19 and later clarified as pneumonia, sparked controversy over the timing of the party’s announcement.

The demise of Tamil actor and DMDK chief, Vijayakanth, at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday, December 28, drew heartfelt condolences from political leaders and public figures, reflecting on his impactful contributions to both the film industry and the political arena. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sadness in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he remembered Vijayakanth as a legend in the Tamil film world. Acknowledging the actor’s charismatic performances that resonated with millions, PM Modi highlighted Vijayakanth’s deep commitment to public service and the enduring influence he left on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

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In the Prime Minister’s words, “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.” This statement not only reflected the personal connection between PM Modi and Vijayakanth but also underlined the significant impact the actor-turned-politician had on the political scenario in Tamil Nadu.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined in expressing grief over Vijayakanth’s death, acknowledging his substantial contributions to both cinema and politics. In a message posted on the microblogging site, Gandhi noted that Vijayakanth had left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. He extended heartfelt condolences to Vijayakanth’s family and fans during this challenging time. The tributes continued with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, who shared a poignant message on X, where he referred to Vijayakanth as a dear friend and praised his achievements in the film industry and public life.

Stalin remarked, “Vijayakanth, who has a good heart, is an achiever who has made successful marks through his hard work in the film industry and in public life.” This acknowledgment encapsulated the multifaceted nature of Vijayakanth’s legacy, recognizing not only his cinematic achievements but also his significant contributions as an actor, actors’ union president, political party leader, legislator, and leader of the opposition.

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Following the news of Vijayakanth’s demise, an outpouring of condolences flooded in from supporters, politicians, and fellow actors from the industry. DMDK supporters, in particular, mourned the loss of their charismatic leader, Captain Vijayakanth, whose political journey had left an indelible mark on the state. Vijayakanth had been admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai as his health deteriorated, and according to the hospital’s statement, he was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia.

Earlier on the same day, Vijayakanth’s party had announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on a ventilator due to breathing issues. However, the hospital’s subsequent bulletin clarified that the actor-politician was battling pneumonia. Hospital sources revealed that the party had issued the statement even before the results for the second round of samples were available, indicating the swift and challenging nature of the deteriorating health condition.

The focus has been on expanding the details, providing additional context, and exploring the nuances of the tributes and events surrounding Vijayakanth’s passing. The comprehensive narrative aims to capture the significance of his legacy, the reactions from prominent figures, and the sentiments expressed by various segments of the society in response to this notable loss.