Actor-politician Vijayakanth, popularly known as Captain and the founder-leader of the DMDK, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71. He had been on ventilator support for pneumonia in a private hospital. Vijayakanth, a beloved figure in Tamil cinema, was a formidable force in the industry. Fans and well-wishers bid farewell to Tamil Cinema actor and politician, Vijayakanth.
His wife, Premalatha, and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakaran are the ones left to carry on. The demise transpired on December 28, marking the sorrowful loss of a highly esteemed actor and politician in Tamil Nadu.
Captain Vijayakanth, widely recognized as Captain, was put on ventilator support upon admission for pneumonia. Despite the unwavering efforts of the medical team, he passed away on the morning of December 28, 2023, as confirmed by the hospital. Notably, his political party had issued a statement earlier, stating that Vijayakanth had tested positive for COVID-19. Intriguingly, this declaration was made even before the results of the second round of samples were officially disclosed, as per hospital sources.
Vijayakanth, originally named Vijayaraj Alagarswami, was born on August 25, 1952, to KN Alagarswami and Aandal Azhagarswami. Hailing from Madurai, he made a mark in Tamil cinema and his influence extended with the dubbing of his movies in Telugu and Hindi. Married to Premalatha, he is survived by his two sons, Vijaya Prabhakaran and Shanmuga Pandian.
Acclaimed as 'Puratchi Kalingar' (revolutionary artist), Vijayakanth achieved renown throughout his career for depicting patriotic characters in films. Acknowledged as one of Tamil cinema's most devoted artists, he received praise for his compassionate nature. His willingness to aid those in need showcased his generous disposition, establishing him not just as a skilled actor but also as a benevolent individual.
Vijayakanth had been ailing and maintaining a low profile for the past 4-5 years. On December 14, his wife Premalatha formally took charge as the general secretary of the DMDK during a party meeting in Chennai. The sudden news of Vijayakanth's death has profoundly shocked the people of Tamil Nadu.
About Vijayakanth
Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami, popularly known as Vijayakanth, was an Indian politician and actor who acted primarily in Tamil films. He served as the political party's founder and president in Tamil Nadu, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Twice, he represented the constituencies of Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Vijayakanth was born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami in Madurai on 25 August 1952. His father K. N. Alagarswami and mother Aandal Azhagarswami. He married Premalatha on 31 January 1990 and has two sons, including Shanmuga Pandian, an actor who starred in Sagaptham (2015) and Madura Veeran (2018).
He has done many notable films like Sagaptham (2015), Virudhagiri (2010), Engal Aasaan (2009), Arasangam (2008), Sabari (2007), Perarasu (2006), Maayavi (2005), Gajendra (2004) to name a few.
Vijayakanth is the recepient of notable awards such as Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil (1984), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor (1988), Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award (1994), Kalaimamani Award (2001), and Best Indian Citizen Award (2001).
