Tamil actor Vijayakanth dies, was hospitalised with Covid-19

Veteran Tamil actor and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) supremo Vijayakanth passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Chennai at the age of 71. He was on ventilator support after testing positive for Covid-19 according to his party. However, the hospital cited pneumonia as the cause in its statement.

Vijayakanth dies at age of 71

Vijayakanth, affectionately called 'Captain' by fans, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for routine health tests. The party had then said he was healthy and would return home post-checkup.

Who was Vijayakanth?

With a career spanning over 150 films, Vijayakanth was one of Tamil cinema's leading stars in the 1980s and 90s. He forayed into politics in 2005 founding the DMDK, serving twice as MLA from Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam.

From 2011-2016, he was Tamil Nadu's Opposition Leader - the peak of his political innings. In recent years, Vijayakanth took a backseat from public life due to failing health.

Here’s what officials said:

Hospital authorities said despite intensive medical care by doctors, Vijayakanth passed away on Thursday morning. His demise brings curtains down on the journey of a hugely popular mass hero who later championed populist politics in Tamil Nadu.

He is survived by his wife Premalatha who took over the DMDK's reins as he withdrew from active politics. Vijayakanth's passing is mourned by lakhs of fans, colleagues and Tamil society at large.