Actor and DMDK founder ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth passes away in Chennai

Actor and founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth, passed away in Chennai on December 28 at the age of 71. The news of his demise was confirmed by officials from Miot Hospital, where he had been admitted for pneumonia and received ventilator support.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, mourning the loss of Vijayakanth and extending sympathies to his family, fans, and followers.

About Vijayakanth

Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami, widely recognized by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian politician and actor with a predominant presence in Tamil cinema. He is survived by his wife, Premalatha, and two sons, Vijayaa Prabhakaran and Shanmuga Pandian.

He served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.

Widely known as “Captain”

Affectionately known as “Captain” due to his portrayal of military characters on screen, Vijayakanth had a successful career in cinema, featuring in 154 movies before entering politics.

Founded DMDK in 2005

In 2005, he founded the DMDK with the aim of providing an alternative political platform in Tamil Nadu, challenging established Dravidian parties like the DMK and AIADMK.

The DMDK made its electoral debut in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, contesting independently and securing a significant number of seats, establishing itself as a notable force in the state’s political landscape.

In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, Vijayakanth’s party made history by winning more seats than the DMK, emerging as the principal opposition party that year.

Thanks

Happy reading!