Vadivelu: Vivekh's demise is shocking and unfathomable; I am deeply hurt and saddened

Actor and comedian Vadivelu said that the demise of his fellow artist and friend Vivekh is "deeply saddening and unfathomable."

Sharing his grief through an emotional video statement, the teary-eyed actor said, "He was a very kind person. He was very close to Abdul Kalam ayya, and he initiated many social awareness programs. We were close friends. Nobody can be as straightforward as Vivekh was. He was a fan of my comedy, and I was a fan of his. He used to speak in a very realistic, simplistic manner, and he was better than me at that."

Throughout the 90s and 2000s, comedies of Vivekh and Vadivelu ruled the hearts of the people, and the duo worked together in multiple films like Middle Class Madhavan, Viralukkeetha Veekam, and Namma Veetu Kalyanam.

Vadivelu added that he would not be able to attend his friend's last rites as he is currently in Madurai with his mother. "I express my deepest condolences. I pray for you all to find the strength to get through this. Vivekh hasn't left us. He is with all of you. I pray for his soul to rest in peace." 

Vivekh, a veteran of over 200 films, was admitted to the hospital on Friday following a cardiac arrest. The actor underwent angioplasty surgery at the hospital and was on ECMO in the ICU. He passed away earlier today due to cardiac-related complications.