Vijayakanth demise: He was the man of the masses, righteous and straightforward, says P Vasu 

Veteran actor and politician Vijayakanth died on Thursday after suffering from health conditions for a while. Upon his demise, the film fraternity condoled his death and the irreparable vacuum that has been created.

Speaking to CE, director P Vasu, who has directed Vijayakanth in films like Ponmana Selvan, Sethupathi IPS, said, “For me, he is a hero even without makeup. He is straightforward and righteous person and whatever he takes up, will do with all his heart. He not only wore his heart on his sleeve and spoke frankly, but also was helping hand that many people needed. I don’t remember him saying a no to anyone.”

“Offering food and hospitability were two things he was immensely known for. Just like MGR, he also sat on ground and had his food. He saw his seniors with respect, but worked shoulder to shoulder with his juniors. If he saw me with respect, he wrapped his hands around the shoulders of my assistant directors. I saw him more in dhotis than pants and avar madichu katina, it means he is taking up a task. He was the man of the masses, and was determined that whatever he does, every common person should understand,” he added.

A prolific actor, who was fondly called Captain, Vijayakanth was born on August 25, 1952, and predominantly worked in Tamil films. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016 and was the president of the political party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.

He is known for films such as Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam, Satham Oru Iruttuarai, Amman Kovil Kizhakale, Oomai Vizhigal, Captain Prabhakaran, Chinna Gounder, Ramanaa and Engal Anna. The actor was last seen making a cameo appearance in the 2015 film Sagaptham.

Vijayakanth died at the age of 71.