Vijayakanth, the founder-leader of DMDK and a famous yesteryear Tamil actor, passed away on Thursday in Chennai after an illness. He was 71 years old.
Earlier in the day, the party said on its official X account that Vijayakanth had been admitted to a hospital and placed on ventilator support after complaining of breathing problems
His body was brought to his home and will be taken to the DMDK office shortly.
Vijayakanth was hospitalized at MIOT Hospital in Chennai in November when his health worsened.
He was hospitalized for 14 days while suffering from a cough and throat pain.
Vijayakanth, also known as ‘Captain,’ has had a great career in the Tamil film industry. Before entering politics, he appeared in 154 films.
Aside from his film achievements, Vijayakanth was awarded the Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government in 2001 for his contributions to Tamil arts and cinema. His outstanding performance in the anti-corruption hit Ramanaa in 2002 won him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award.
He is survived by his wife, Premalatha, and two sons.