Actor And DMDK Chief Vijayakanth Passes Away At The Age 71

CHENNAI: Actor and DMDK leader Vijayakanth, aged 71, passed away at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday. He had been on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19, according to his party, although the hospital’s statement cited pneumonia as the cause of his admission.

The hospital released a statement stating, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his condition on the morning of December 28, 2023.”

Vijayakanth was initially admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for a routine health check-up. During his admission, the party had asserted that he was in good health and would return home after undergoing tests.

Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, highlighting Vijayakanth as a “close friend” and acknowledging the significant void left by his passing.

Previously hospitalized on November 20 for respiratory issues, Vijayakanth’s public journey has been characterized by a successful film career, featuring roles in 154 movies, followed by his entry into politics.

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He founded the DMDK and served two terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, representing the Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam constituencies. His political zenith was marked by his role as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.

In recent years, concerns about Vijayakanth’s health prompted him to step back from active political involvement.

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