Tamil Nadu is grieving the loss of legendary actor and politician, Captain Vijayakanth, who passed away on December 28, 2023. The news was confirmed by officials at Miot Hospital, where he was admitted for pneumonia and was receiving ventilator support. Despite the medical staff’s best efforts, he succumbed to the illness.
Captain Vijayakanth’s health had been declining over the past 4-5 years, leading to a reduced public presence. His wife, Premalatha, formally took over as the general secretary of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on December 14, as he remained unwell.
The political landscape of Tamil Nadu has been significantly influenced by Captain Vijayakanth, who founded the DMDK in 2005 with the goal of providing an alternative platform to challenge established Dravidian parties. Known as “Captain” due to his portrayal of military characters on screen, he transitioned from a successful film career, featuring in 154 movies, to a prominent political figure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Captain Vijayakanth’s demise, acknowledging his contributions to both the film industry and Tamil Nadu’s political scene. Modi highlighted Vijayakanth’s commitment to public service and described him as a close friend, expressing condolences to his family, fans, and followers.
The DMDK, under Captain Vijayakanth’s leadership, made a historic impact in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections by winning more seats than the DMK, establishing itself as the principal Opposition Party. However, internal challenges and defections affected the party’s performance in subsequent elections, including the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Vijayakanth’s passing leaves a void in both the cinematic and political realms, and his legacy will be remembered by millions who were captivated by his on-screen charisma and inspired by his dedication to public service.
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