Actor and DMDK Chief Captain Vijayakanth, 71, on Thursday passed away at a private hospital in Chennai. He was on ventilator support after testing positive for COVID-19, according to the party. However, the hospital’s statement refuted the claim stating that he had pneumonia.
Actor and DMDK Chief Captain Vijayakanth passes away at a hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
He was on ventilatory support after testing positive for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/LcT76Uawef
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023
Hospital’s Statement
Contrary to the party’s statement, the hospital mentioned that Captain Vijayakanth had pneumonia. The official statement from the hospital stated, “Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023.”
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Actor and DMDK Chief Captain Vijayakanth passes away at a hospital in Chennai.
(Visuals from Captain Vijayakanth's residence in Chennai) pic.twitter.com/pNd6ieJWOh
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023
Hospital Admission and Previous Health Episode
Vijayakanth was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday for a regular health check-up, as mentioned by the party. However, the hospital’s statement indicates a severe turn of events – stating that he passed away due to pneumonia. He had previously been hospitalized on November 20 for respiratory illness treatment.
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A Journey of Stardom and Politics
Vijayakanth’s legacy spans both the film industry and politics. With a successful career in movies, featuring in 154 films, he transitioned into politics by founding the DMDK. He served as a Member of Legislative Assembly, representing Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam, and reached the pinnacle of his political career as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
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Health Concerns and Stepping Back
In recent years, health concerns had prompted Vijayakanth to step back from active political engagement, marking the end of an era for the charismatic actor-turned-politician.
