Actor-Politician Vijayakanth Passes Away at 71: A Life Marked by Film and Politics

DMDK founder-leader and veteran Tamil actor Vijayakanth, fondly known as 'Captain', breathed his last on Thursday at the age of 71. The news comes after he tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a hospital, where he was placed on ventilator support due to respiratory issues.

Earlier in the day, the party shared the somber update through a post on its official platform, notifying the public about Vijayakanth's critical condition. His body has since been brought to his residence and is scheduled to be taken to the DMDK office shortly.

This unfortunate event follows a recent health setback in November when Vijayakanth was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai, grappling with cough and throat pain. He underwent a 14-day observation under the care of medical professionals.

Vijayakanth's legacy spans not only the political arena but also a prolific career in the Tamil film industry. With 154 movies to his credit, he transitioned into politics, leaving an indelible mark on both fronts.

In 2006, DMDK made its debut in electoral politics, contesting all assembly seats and securing a modest 10 percent of the total vote share. However, only the founder-leader emerged victorious.

A significant turning point came in 2011 when DMDK allied with the AIADMK, contesting 41 constituencies and winning 26. This historic feat made the Captain's party the principal Opposition in Tamil Nadu, surpassing the DMK in seat count.

Vijayakanth subsequently served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016. However, internal differences led to the DMDK severing ties with the AIADMK, resulting in a mass resignation of DMDK MLAs and the loss of its main Opposition status.

The actor-politician held the position of Member of the Legislative Assembly twice, representing the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies. Despite the DMDK's alliance with the NDA in the 2014 parliament elections, the party faced a significant defeat, witnessing a notable drop in its vote percentage.

The years 2016, 2019, and 2021 witnessed a decline in the DMDK's electoral performance, attributed to Vijayakanth's health by complications. As Tamil Nadu mourns the loss of 'Captain,' his impact on both cinema and politics remains an integral part of the state's history.