News Tamil Nadu

Actors Par Excellence: Suriya & Karthi ‘Cry Inconsolably’ At Vijayakanth’s Memorial A Day Before Participating In Kalaignar 100, Their Father Uses Occasion To Peddle Pro-DMK Propaganda, Netizens Slam Them

January 6, 2024
The Commune

Days after the late actor and DMDK founder ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth was laid to rest, alleged actor Suriya Sivakumar, who is known for towing the DMK line through his statements, visited the late leader’s resting place along with his brother Karthi and father Sivakumar.

Visuals of his visit showed Suriya acting.. oops.. ‘weeping unconsolably’ as he paid his respects. As Suriya laid flowers in homage to the departed leader, he was ‘overcome with emotion’, breaking down in tears. Subsequently, he spent a few moments seated in ‘quiet reflection’. Afterward, he engaged in conversation with Vijayakanth’s family, offering them words of comfort.

Addressing reporters after the visit, Suriya said that Vijayakanth’s demise is very saddening. Again ‘crying’ he said “It is very disturbing to the heart. In my initial years after acting in 4-5 films, I did not get much appreciation. I got an opportunity to act with him in Periyanna. I had the chance to work with him for 8-10 days. He used to care for me like a brother by offering food from his plate. He kept everyone close. I regret for not being able to participate in his last rites.” Vijayakanth also played a cameo in Suriya’s film Maayavi.

He had failed to come to the last rights of the leader as he was “busy in shooting” outside the country. Amidst his busy schedule, Suriya had posted a condolence message on Twitter by shooting a video of himself in a moving car.

Suriya’s brother Karthi too who addressed the press with his father went on to sob and say how he was sad about the demise of the late actor. Karthi is the treasurer of Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artist Association), an organization which was revitalized under Vijayakanth’s leadership. Under Vijayakanth’s leadership the association witnessed a transformative era, marked by numerous public events strategically aimed at fundraising. This financial support proved instrumental in aiding fellow cinema stars facing a dearth of opportunities, setting a compelling example of responsible leadership. His adept leadership not only revitalised the organisation but also rescued it from substantial debts. His innovative approach, notably the organisation of ‘star night shows,’ became legendary in the Tamil film industry.

Karthi said that a condolence meeting would be held on 10 January 2024 for the actor on behalf of Nadigar Sangam.

However, Karthi too did not come for the final rites of the departed leader.

Sivakumar, who had accompanied his sons, did not even hesitate to use the occasion for peddling pro-DMK propaganda.

He went on to say “When someone says ‘Captain’ Vijayakanth, the incident that instantly strikes my mind is this. 14 April 1996. It was the Golden Jubilee celebration of Kalaignar’s Artistic contribution. Nobody had expected such an event! Kalaignar was not in power at that time. Nobody in the cinema industry had extended much support back then. Vijayakanth alone, I don’t know how many lakhs he spent, he spent out of his pocket, he arranged the event. 3.5 lakh people, note it down, 3.5 lakh people had come. From the Gandhi statue to the end of Marina Beach, there was no space for even a single person to enter. Around 50,000 people surrounded the stage and cheered for Kalaignar. When he spoke at the last, he told the people ‘If only you all dropped me just a few metres away, I would reach Fort. St. George.’ You won’t believe. The election came within a month. He became the Chief Minister.”

On the other hand, Suriya went on to heap praises on Karunanidhi during the Kalaignar 100 event organized by the Nadigar Sangam. While condoling the death of Vijayakanth, Suriya just focused on Vijayakanth’s role as an actor and did not utter a word about the latter’s role as the leader of DMDK. However, Suriya went on to hail Karunanidhi as a trendsetter of bring out social reforms through art.

“In politics, he has brought about a lot of change. Be it equal property rights for women, or ensuring rights for the depressed people. While bringing about change through politics, he brought art also along with him. That is why we fondly and respectfully call him ‘Kalaignar’, Suriya said while speaking at the ‘Nadigar Sangam’ organized event.

Netizens Reaction

Many on social media slammed Suriya and his brother for their duplicity.

“He could not attend the funeral of Vijaykanth. But this DMK “Oopi” is able to come early for the Karunanidhi event. Keep this acting elsewhere“, wrote a netizen.

Another person shared a meme which said “Are these people hurrying to Vijayakanth’s resting place because people may question them for not being able to attend his funeral but showing up for Kalaignar 100 event?”

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