CHENNAI: The demise of veteran actor, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder, Vijaykanth, has left a void after his death ended his three-decade-long illustrious career as both an actor and a politician.
As an action hero who rose to the ‘superstar’ of Tamil Cinema in the early 90s, Vijayakanth played versatile roles enthralling youngsters and family audiences.
He began his film career in 1979 with ‘Inikkum Ilamai’. Over the years, he acted in several hundred films, bagging many prestigious awards for his blockbuster movies, ‘Captain Prabhakaran’, ‘Vanathaipole’, ‘Oomai Vizhigal’, ‘Amman Koil Kizhakkalae’ and ‘Ramanaa’.
FLASH: Tamil Superstar and Tamil Superstar and DMDK president #Vijayakanth passed away at a private hospital in Chennai, after battling #COVID19 for over a year.
Reports @Viveknarayan805 pic.twitter.com/seisjjdOMy
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 28, 2023
Vijayakanth’s death marks the end of an influential chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political history, leaving a void in the state’s diverse political tapestry.
Vijayakanth’s demise not only signifies the loss of a distinguished personality but also highlights the diminishing influence of DMDK which once held considerable potential. He stood out as the only Tamil actor after M G Ramachandran, MGR, to achieve notable success in the state’s politics.
In 2005, he entered into the political fray by forming a party that allied with neither of the two main Dravidian parties — All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) — emerging as a fresh alternative.
Vijayakanth’s popularity, particularly in rural areas, was a critical factor in the party’s initial success. In the 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, just a year after its inception, the DMDK secured a surprising 8.4 per cent of the votes, contesting in 232 constituencies, with Vijayakanth being the sole winner.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of DMDK founder and renowned film actor Thiru Vijayakanth ji. His unforgettable contributions to cinema and politics will always be cherished. Sending heartfelt condolences to his family and fans during this challenging time.” #Vijayakanth pic.twitter.com/QahHaq2eh5
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) December 28, 2023
From the time his party entered coalition politics, the career graph has changed. It was 7.9 per cent vote share in 2011 Assembly polls, 5.1 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 2.4 per cent in 2016 Assembly polls, 2.16 per cent in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and 0.43 per cent in 2021 Assembly polls.
However, Vijayakanth continued to be active in politics where he conducted public rallies and meetings at regular intervals.
However, after 2011, the decline of Vijayakanth’s health was indicative of ‘Junior MGR’s gradual withdrawal from active politics.