Veteran actor Vivekh passes away in Chennai

Legendary Tamil comedian Vivekh passed away at a private hospital in Chennai after developing cardiac-related complications. He was 59.

The Padma Shri awardee, who was admitted to the hospital on Friday following a cardiac arrest, is said to have died at 4.37 am today.

Vivek, a veteran of over 200 films, underwent angioplasty surgery at the hospital and was on ECMO in the ICU. 

On Friday evening, after he was admitted to the hospital, since the veteran's last public appearance was a day earlier when he took his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, there was a joint press statement by the hospital authorities and TN Government to allay fears of the two incidents being related.

The Director of the hospital, said, "This is an acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock. This is a separate cardiac event. It may not be due to COVID vaccination." Meanwhile, Dr J Radhakrishnan, TN Health Secretary denied any relation between the COVID vaccination and the actor's current health condition. He stated that multiple tests were done on actor Vivekh and no link to the vaccine had been found.

Vivekh made his acting debut in 1987 with K Balachander's Manadhil Urudhi Vendum. Over the years, he developed a unique brand of humour that mixed social messaging and comedy. Fondly called Chinna Kalaivanar, Vivekh was also known for his eco-awareness that led to his drive to plant 1 crore tree saplings across the state.

He was last seen alongside Harish Kalyan in 2020's Dharala Prabhu. Vivekh's upcoming releases include Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir, starring Vijay Sethupathi, and Shankar's Indian 2.

Actor Vivekh is survived by his wife and two daughters.