CHENNAI: Superstar Vijayakanth (71), who was a superstar in both Tamil cinema and politics, is no more. The fans' own captain passed away yesterday morning at Miot Hospital in Chennai. He was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday and was diagnosed with Covid-19.

Due to his critical condition, he was shifted to a ventilator in the morning, but his life could not be saved. The hospital authorities informed about the death at 8.30 am. His wife Premalata and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijaya Prabhakar were by his side in his last moments.

Notable films include Oomai Vizhigal, Cooliekkaran, Ninaive Oru Sangeetham, Captain Prabhakar, Chinna Gounder, Sethupathi IPS. He was the leader of the opposition in Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016 and a two-time MLA.

The body, which was taken to his home in Saligramam, was brought to the DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) headquarters in Coimbatore as a funeral procession. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 4.30 pm with state honours at the party headquarters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Minister Udayanidhi Stalin and others paid their last respects.

Born in Madurai, Vijayakanth's official name is Vijayaraj Alagarswami. His parents are KN Alagarswami and Andal Alagarswami. In 1979, he debuted as a villain in the film 'Inikkum Ilamai'. In 1981, he made his commercial debut as a hero in 'Sattam Oru Iruttarai'. Vijayakanth became a superstar when Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth were ruling the screens.

Revolutionary artist of Tamil

He was awarded the title of 'Puratchi Kalaignar' (revolutionary artist) by his fans for his roles where he sacrificed for the homeland and family. The audience accepted the hero who spoke out against the injustices of society through films like Sivappu Malli and Jadhikkoru Needhi. He formed the DMDK party in 2005.

His last hero role was in Virudhagiri which was released in 2010. Vijayakanth himself was the director of the movie. His last film was as a guest appearance in 'Sagaptham' released in 2015. His son Shanmuga Pandyan was the hero of the film. He married Premalatha on January 3, 1990.