DMDK founder and Tamil actor Vijayakanth dies

DMDK founder and popular yesteryear Tamil actor Vijayakanth passed away in Chennai on December 28. He was 71. The hospital where he was admitted said that Vijayakanth was on ventilator support following his admission for pneumonia.

MIOT International said in a press release, "Captain Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023."

On Thursday, his party said that the leader had tested for Covid-19.

Hailed as 'Karuppu MGR' or black MGR by his fans for his generosity, Vijayakanth has been ill and kept a low-profile for the past four to five years.

He was earlier hospitalised from November 18 to December 11.

On December 14, his wife Premalatha was elected as the party's new general secretary. She has been the party's treasurer and her elevation came ahead of the Lok Sabha election next year and also due to 'Captain' Vijayakant's health condition.