Rajinikanth hails Vijayakanth as 'Madurai Veeran' after Padma honours

Days after late actor-politician Vijayakanth's wife and DMDK supremo Premalatha received the posthumous Padma Bhushan award, his long-time film industry colleague Rajinikanth said he is sorely missing him now.

In his short video address, Rajini says he is extremely happy that the Central government has recognised Vijayakanth's works and bestowed India's third highest civilian award on him posthumously. Adding that he misses Vijayakanth, who has touched great heights quickly and passed away so early.

Rajinikanth further added that it is an honour that the former Leader of Opposition's life history has entered the annals of the Padma awards. He even hailed Vijayakanth as the "Madurai Veeran", as the actor hails from the south TN district.

Premalatha received the esteemed civilian award from President Droupadi Murmu at the national capital on May 9. The Padma award ceremony was also attended by Vijayakanth's son Vijay Prabhakaran.

Hailing from a humble background, Vijayakanth has acted in over 150 films making his debut with Inikkum Ilamai. The actor's big break came in Sattam Oru Iruttarai, directed by SA Chandrasekhar. In the later years, he was best known for playing cop roles in thrillers like Captain Prabhakaran (where he got the moniker 'Captain'), Oomai Vizhigal, Pulan Visaranai, Sethupathi IPS, and Alexander, to name a few.

Following his tremendous success in films, he forayed into politics floating Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Vijayakanth was elected a legislator twice, with the position of the Leader of the Opposition in 2011 being the pinnacle of his political career.

However poor health hampered the actor-turned-polician's prospects in the susbequent elections. Vijayakanth breathed his last on December 28, 2023. He was 71.