Renowned Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth dies at 71 after Covid-19 complications

World (LNW): Renowned actor and DMDK chief, Vijayakanth, aged 71, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Chennai.

The party confirmed that he had been on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19, though the hospital’s statement attributed his condition to pneumonia.

The hospital’s official statement 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.”

Vijayakanth was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for a routine health check-up.

At the time, the party had asserted that he was in good health and expected to return home after the necessary tests.

Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the loss of his “close friend” Vijayakanth, stating that his passing creates a “void that will be hard to fill.”

As an actor, Vijayakanth earned recognition for his impactful performances in Tamil cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. Fondly known as “Captain” in the industry, he starred in numerous successful films and carved a niche for himself as an action hero.

In the realm of politics, Vijayakanth founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005 and entered active politics. He contested in various elections, including the state assembly elections, and held influential positions.

His transition from a popular actor to a significant political figure marked a distinctive chapter in his public life.