Captain Vijayakanth, the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party, passed away on December 28, 2023. He was a well-known actor and politician who dedicated his life to serving the people of Tamil Nadu. His death is a great loss to the people of Tamil Nadu and the Indian political landscape. Many celebrities and politicians have expressed their condolences on social media.

Extremely saddened by the passing away of Thiru Vijayakanth Ji. A legend of the Tamil film world, his charismatic performances captured the hearts of millions. As a political leader, he was deeply committed to public service, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s political… pic.twitter.com/di0ZUfUVWo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2023

Captain Vijayakanth was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai. He was later tested positive for COVID-19 and was on ventilator support. He passed away today, December 28, 2023, in Chennai, after a prolonged illness.

Early Life and Career of Captain Vijayakanth

Born on August 25, 1952, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Vijayakanth started his career in the film industry in the late 1970s. He went on to act in over 150 films in Tamil cinema and was known for his roles in action and comedy movies. He won several awards for his performances, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor in 1988 and the Kalaimamani Award in 2001. He was also the former President of Nadigar Sangam.

Some of his notable movies include:

• Captain Prabhakaran: A 1991 action film directed by R. K. Selvamani, in which Vijayakanth played the role of a forest officer named Captain Prabhakaran.
• Ramana: A 2002 Tamil-language vigilante film directed by A. R. Murugadoss, in which Vijayakanth played the role of a professor named Ramana.
• Chinna Gounder: A 1992 Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by R. V. Udayakumar, in which Vijayakanth played the role of a village chieftain named Chinna Gounder.
• Sattam Oru Iruttarai: A 1981 Tamil-language action film directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, in which Vijayakanth played the role of a young man named Vijay.

Political Career

In 2005, Vijayakanth founded the DMDK party with the aim of providing an alternative to the two major Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The party gained popularity quickly and won 29 seats in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, making it the third-largest party in the state.

In 2006, DMDK won over 10% of the vote share in its debut election. The party’s popularity grew, and in 2011, it became the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu. Vijayakanth himself served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.

Vijayakanth’s political journey was marked by ups and downs. Vijayakanth was known for his fiery speeches and his commitment to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. He was a vocal critic of corruption in politics and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was also a strong advocate for the rights of farmers and the poor, and worked tirelessly to improve their living conditions. However, his party’s fortunes declined in the years that followed, and it lost its status as the main opposition party in the state.

Lesser-known Facts of Captain Vijayakanth

1. He was a philanthropist: Vijayakanth was known for his charitable work. He founded the Captain Vijayakanth Social Service Centre in Chennai, which provides free medical care and education to the underprivileged.
2. He was a fitness enthusiast: Vijayakanth was a fitness enthusiast and was known for his strict workout regimen. He was also a black belt in karate.
3. He was a farmer: Vijayakanth owned a farm in Tamil Nadu and was passionate about agriculture. He was known to spend time on his farm, tending to crops and livestock.
4. He was a teetotaler: Vijayakanth was a teetotaler and did not consume alcohol.
5. He was a family man: Vijayakanth was married to Premalatha and had two sons. He was known to be a devoted husband and father.
6. He was a businessman: He owned several businesses, including a film production company and a construction company. His total net worth is estimated to be around 10 million USD.

His Impact on Indian Politics and Tamil Nadu

Captain Vijayakanth’s impact on Indian politics and Tamil Nadu cannot be overstated. He was a charismatic leader who inspired many people to join politics and work for the betterment of society. He was known for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and was respected by his peers and opponents alike.

Here are some key achievements that defined his political career:

1. Formation of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK): In 2005, Captain Vijayakanth founded the DMDK with the aim of providing an alternative political platform in Tamil Nadu. The party quickly gained attention and emerged as a significant player in the state’s political landscape.

2. 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: The DMDK made a remarkable debut in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Captain Vijayakanth’s party won 29 seats out of the 41 it contested, making it the official opposition party in the state.

3. Role as Opposition Leader: Following the impressive electoral performance, Captain Vijayakanth served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. His leadership style and oratory skills earned him recognition even in the adversarial role.

4. Alliance Politics: Captain Vijayakanth actively engaged in alliance politics, forming alliances with major political parties during elections. His party played a crucial role in various electoral alliances, impacting the political dynamics in the state.

5. Championing Regional Issues: Captain Vijayakanth was known for addressing issues related to Tamil Nadu’s welfare and development. He used his political platform to advocate for regional interests and bring attention to the concerns of the people.

6. Social Welfare Initiatives: Beyond electoral politics, Captain Vijayakanth initiated several social welfare programs and projects aimed at benefiting the people of Tamil Nadu. These efforts reflected his commitment to the overall development of the state.

7. Impact on Tamil Nadu Politics: Captain Vijayakanth’s entry into politics and the subsequent rise of the DMDK introduced a new dimension to Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. His influence, especially in certain pockets of the state, showcased the potential for alternative political forces to make a mark.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Captain Vijayakanth received several awards and accolades for his contributions to the film industry and politics. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor in 1988
• Kalaimamani Award in 2001
• President of the South Indian Film Artistes’ Association
• Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016

Conclusion

Captain Vijayakanth was a true leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of Tamil Nadu. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of the people. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.