Vijayakanth, born Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami, was an Indian actor and politician who predominantly worked in Tamil cinema. He was born on August 25, 1952, and passed away on December 28, 2023, at the age of 71 due to complications from COVID-19. Vijayakanth was known for his roles in action and drama movies and was often referred to as “Captain” by his fans and followers.
Apart from his successful acting career, Vijayakanth was also a prominent political figure in Tamil Nadu. He founded the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005 and contested in several state assembly elections. He was also a former Member of Parliament and served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
Vijayakanth was widely respected for his philanthropy and social work. He founded the Vijayakanth Educational Trust in 1992, which has established several educational institutions in Tamil Nadu. He also contributed to various charitable causes, including relief efforts during natural disasters. With his passing, Tamil cinema and politics have lost a legendary figure who had a significant impact on the state and its people.
Key Takeaways
- Vijayakanth was a prominent actor and politician in Tamil Nadu who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 71.
- He founded the DMDK political party and contested in several state assembly elections, serving as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016.
- Vijayakanth was known for his philanthropy and social work, having founded the Vijayakanth Educational Trust and contributed to various charitable causes.
Early Life and Education
Vijayakanth, born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami, was born on August 25, 1952, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. His father, K. N. Alagarswami, was a businessman and his mother, Aandal Azhagarswami, was a homemaker.
Vijayakanth’s family was originally from the village of Kombai in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. He spent most of his childhood in the city of Chennai, where he attended the Wesley Higher Secondary School.
After completing his schooling, Vijayakanth pursued a degree in Visual Communication from Loyola College in Chennai. During his college days, he was actively involved in theatre and was a member of the college drama team.
Vijayakanth’s interest in acting grew during his college days, and he made his acting debut in the Tamil film “Inikkum Ilamai” in 1979. The film was a commercial success, and Vijayakanth went on to act in several films over the next few years.
Overall, Vijayakanth’s early life and education laid the foundation for his successful career in the film industry and later in politics.
Vijayakanth Acting Career
Breakthrough and Success
Vijayakanth began his acting journey with “Inikkum Ilamai” in 1979. Despite initial setbacks, his breakthrough came in 1981 with “Sattam Oru Iruttarai,” directed by SA Chandrasekhar. He soon became a popular figure among the audience due to his unassuming looks and powerful screen presence. Vijayakanth’s success continued with films like “Vaidehi Kathirunthal” (1984), “Periyanna” (1999), and “Ramana” (2002).
Notable Films
Vijayakanth has acted in over 150 films in Tamil cinema. Some of his notable films include “Chinna Gounder” (1992), “Karuppu Nila” (1995), “Ulavaali” (1998), and “Arasangam” (2008). He was known for his roles in action films and was often referred to as the “Captain” of Tamil cinema.
Awards and Recognition
Vijayakanth has won several awards for his performances in Tamil cinema. He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in “Chinna Gounder” (1992). He also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor (Special Prize) for his performance in “Sethupathi IPS” (1994). In addition, he received the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contribution to Tamil cinema.
Overall, Vijayakanth’s acting career spanned over three decades and he was a prominent figure in Tamil cinema.
Political Career
Entry into Politics
Vijayakanth’s entry into politics was marked by the formation of his political party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), in 2005. He was inspired to enter politics due to his concern for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and his desire to bring about positive change.
Party Formation and Ideology
The DMDK was founded on the principles of social justice, equality, and the upliftment of the poor and marginalized sections of society. The party’s ideology was centered around the concepts of Tamil nationalism and regionalism, with a focus on the development of Tamil Nadu.
Elections and Performance
The DMDK contested its first elections in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, fielding candidates in all 234 constituencies. Vijayakanth himself contested from the Virudhachalam constituency and emerged as the sole victor for his party.
In the 2011 Assembly Elections, the DMDK allied with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and contested in 41 constituencies. The alliance emerged victorious, with the AIADMK winning a majority and forming the government.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, the DMDK allied with the People’s Welfare Front (PWF) and contested in 14 constituencies. However, the alliance failed to win any seats.
Political Influence
Vijayakanth’s political career was marked by his strong oratorical skills and his ability to connect with the masses. He was known for his fiery speeches and his criticism of the ruling party.
Despite not winning many seats, the DMDK’s influence on Tamil Nadu politics cannot be ignored. The party’s focus on regionalism and Tamil nationalism resonated with many people in the state, and its performance in the 2011 Assembly Elections played a key role in the formation of the AIADMK government.
Overall, Vijayakanth’s political career was marked by his dedication to the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and his desire to bring about positive change.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Vijayakanth was known for his philanthropic endeavors and used his fame and influence to bring positive change to society. He contributed to various charitable initiatives and benevolent acts that touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
One of his notable contributions was the construction of a hospital in Chennai that provides free medical treatment to the underprivileged. He also donated generously to educational institutions and provided scholarships to deserving students.
Vijayakanth was also actively involved in relief work during natural disasters and provided aid to those affected by floods, cyclones, and other calamities. He was known to personally visit affected areas and distribute food, clothing, and other essential supplies to the victims.
In addition to his charitable work, Vijayakanth was also a strong advocate for social justice and equality. He used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities and speak out against discrimination and oppression.
Overall, Vijayakanth’s philanthropic and social work had a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and communities. His legacy as an actor and politician will be remembered, but his contributions to society will also be celebrated for years to come.
Personal Life
Vijayakanth was born on August 25, 1952, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He was born into a family of farmers and was the youngest of five siblings. His father was a police officer, and his mother was a housewife.
He married Premalatha on January 31, 1990, and the couple has two sons, Shanmuga Pandian and Vijay Prabhakar. Shanmuga Pandian is an actor who has starred in several Tamil films.
Vijayakanth was known for his simple and down-to-earth personality. He was a fitness enthusiast and used to maintain a strict diet and exercise routine. He was also a philanthropist and actively supported various social causes.
In his free time, Vijayakanth enjoyed watching movies and spending time with his family. He was also an avid reader and had a vast collection of books on various subjects.