Chennai: Popular actor and DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) founder Vijayakanth has passed away at the age of 71. He died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai after being diagnosed with Covid. Vijayakanth’s health had been critical for the past few days, and he was admitted to the hospital again last evening due to physical illness. His body has been brought to his residence and will shortly be taken to the DMDK office.
Widely known as ‘Captain,’ Vijayakanth’s life was marked by a successful career in the Tamil film industry. He entered the film industry in 1979 with the film ‘Inikum Ilamai,’ directed by MA Kaja, and became the action hero of Tamil Nadu, starring in numerous films. His 100th film, ‘Captain Prabhakar,’ is still considered a Tamil classic.
Vijayakanth featured in 154 movies before venturing into politics. In 2005, he founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam. In 2011, the DMDK fought the elections in alliance with the AIADMK and contested 41 constituencies, winning 26. The party scripted history by winning more seats than the DMK in 2011 and emerged as the principal Opposition Party that year. Vijayakanth served as the leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
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