Vijayakant, Tamil actor turned founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK), whose refreshing electoral success briefly altered the bipolar political landscape in Tamil Nadu in the first decade of this millennium, died at a private hospital in Chennai on Thursday. He was 71 and is survived by his wife Premalatha and two sons.
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Vijayakant had on Thursday, December 28, 2023, tested positive for COVID-19 and encountered respiratory problems following which he was rushed to the MIOT Hospital and put on ventilator support. His health has been on the decline for years now, and these setbacks were reflected in his presence in public events, where he had to be propped up or held up by others, and assisted with basic functions. Premalatha, who was DMDK’s treasurer, was recently made the party’s general secretary.
