Renowned as Captain, Vijayakanth, the founder-leader of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and a beloved Tamil actor from the bygone era, passed away in Chennai on Thursday. His health had been a concern for the past few years.
MIOT International hospital, in a press release, conveyed the news of Captain Vijayakanth’s demise. The statement revealed that he had been on ventilatory support due to pneumonia, and despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed on the morning of December 28, 2023.
The moniker ‘Captain’ was not originally associated with Vijayakanth in the political realm but rather rooted in Tamil cinema. Prior to his foray into politics, Vijayakanth enjoyed a prosperous career as a film actor, starring in numerous Tamil films.
One of the significant milestones in his cinematic journey was the release of ‘Captain Prabhakaran’ in 1991. This film not only marked Vijayakanth’s 100th film but also created a record in Tamil cinema as his 100th film turned out to be a blockbuster.
Recognizing his outstanding contribution to the film industry and the success of ‘Captain Prabhakaran,’ Vijayakanth was elected as the president of the Actors Association. This transition from a celebrated actor to a leadership role within the industry was a pivotal moment in his career.
The ‘Captain’ title, initially associated with his cinematic persona, became a lasting symbol in the public discourse, representing both his cinematic legacy and emerging leadership qualities.
Embracing the ‘Captain’ moniker as a symbol of leadership, Vijayakanth ventured into politics by establishing the DMDK in the early 2000s. In the 2011 Assembly elections, he formed an alliance with the AIADMK, leading the Jayalalithaa-led bloc to victory, and subsequently became the Leader of the Opposition.
