DMDK Founder And Actor Vijayakanth Laid To Rest With State Honours

Tamil Nadu Mourns Loss of Vijayakanth - Iconic Actor And Political Leader Bid Farewell: Chennai bids farewell to actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), who passed away at the age of 71 in Chennai on December 28. The veteran leader, hospitalised for pneumonia, succumbed to his illness. His death was confirmed after the party revealed his critical condition on ventilator support due to COVID-19 complications.

Originally named Vijayaraj from Madurai, he gained prominence in the film industry as Vijayakanth, courtesy of director M.A. Kaja, for his debut in Inikkum llamai. His portrayal in the film Captain Prabhakaran, loosely inspired by the life of the infamous forest brigand Veerappan, led to him being fondly referred to as 'Captain.'

Venturing into politics, Vijayakanth shook the political landscape by establishing DMDK in 2006, challenging the supremacy of M. Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. His independent electoral debut in 2006 secured a noteworthy 8.38% vote share, contesting against the powerful DMK and AIADMK alliances.

Forming an alliance with AIADMK in 2011, DMDK surged to become the second-largest party in the Assembly, relegating DMK to third place. Vijayakanth, heading a group of 29 MLAs, assumed the position of Leader of the Opposition.

Honoring Vijayakanth: Funeral With State Honours In Chennai

The public paid their final respects as his mortal remains were kept at Island Grounds from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. After that, his funeral procession began and reached the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu through Poonamallee High Road. The cremation and funeral, held with state honours, took place at the party headquarters in Koyambedu.

The public paid their final respects as his mortal remains were kept at Island Grounds from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following that, the funeral procession commenced, traversing through Poonamallee High Road and reaching the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu. The cremation and funeral, conducted with state honours, took place at the party headquarters in Koyambedu at 7:00 p.m.