Renowned actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, a stalwart figure in Tamil cinema, passed away on December 28. The funeral, held yesterday with state honors, drew millions of mourners who gathered to bid a poignant farewell to the iconic figure.
The sudden demise of the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) left fans and the public in shock. In the wake of the overwhelming outpouring of love and respect from the public, Vijayakanth’s son, Shanmuga Pandian, expressed gratitude in a heartfelt social media post.
In his emotional message, Shanmuga Pandian conveyed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you all for extending your heartfelt condolences. To the thousands and lakhs of people who showed up to pay their respects along roads and bridges, your support reflects the enduring legacy our dad has left behind, the life he lived, and the love he earned. Your collective support brings solace to our family as we cope with this loss. Rest in peace, dad, and our captain.”
Vijayakanth, distinguished as one of the few Tamil actors who exclusively worked in Tamil cinema throughout his career, showcased his versatility by excelling in various roles across genres. While gaining popularity as an action hero, he notably portrayed police officer roles in over 20 films, all of which became significant successes. Born on August 25, 1952, in Madurai, Vijayakanth, without a cinema background, emerged as a leading Tamil actor, attributing his success to unwavering hard work and dedication.