Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami, who was popularly known as Vijayakanth, breathed his last on Thursday, December 28. He was 71. The actor-turned-politician was admitted to a hospital for pneumonia and was on ventilator support as per news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).
Miot Hospital where he was admitted confirmed Vijayakanth’s death. "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," the hospital stated in a release.
Vijayakanth was the founder and president of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) political party which he founded in 2005. He was very active in politics. Before joining politics, he was a popular face in the Tamil film industry.
He was fondly referred to as "Captain" for playing military characters. Vijayakanth featured in some 154 movies before entering into politics.
The actor-turned-politician started his film career in 1979 with 'Inikkum Ilamai'.
Here are some of Vijayakanth's best films of his acting career.
'Oomai Vizhigal'
In 'Oomai Vizhigal' Vijaykanth played the role of DSP Deenadayalan. Directed by R Aravindraj, the film also had Arun Pandian, Chandrasekhar and Jaishankar among others. It released in 1986.
'Amman Kovil Kizhakale'
'Amman Kovil Kizhakale' starred Vijayakanth and Radha was opposite him. Directed by R Sundarrajan, the film was a huge success commercially and Vijayakanth received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil award for his stellar performance.
'Captain Prabhakaran'
Vijayakanth played an IFS officer (Indian Forest Service) in it. It was Vijayakanth's 100th film which was directed by R. K. Selvamani. The film was a hit at the box office.
'Vaanathaippola'
Vijayakanth was in a dual role in this film. It was also a commercial success and the film bagged the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment in 2001. Vikraman helmed it.
'Ramanaa'
'Ramanaa' featured Vijayakanth and Ashima Bhalla in the lead roles. It was an action film written and directed by A R Murugadoss. In 2015, the film was dubbed and released in Hindi as 'Mar Mitenge 3'.
May his soul rest in peace and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
