In a heartfelt tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to DMDK founder Vijayakanth, whom he fondly referred to as “Captain.” The Prime Minister emphasized Captain’s selfless commitment to serving others and highlighted his multifaceted personality.
He said that Captain’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned figure in the Indian cinema industry left an indelible mark.
“His journey from humble beginnings to the highs of Tamil cinema is not just a story of stardom but a chronicle of relentless effort and unwavering dedication. He did not enter the world of cinema for fame. His was a journey driven by passion and perseverance. Each film of his not only entertained but also echoed the societal ethos of its time, resonating deeply with a wide cross section of the audience.“, PM Modi wrote.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Captain’s roles, which often depicted characters fighting against injustice, corruption, violence, extremism, and terrorism while championing the cause of the underprivileged. These qualities mirrored Captain’s real-life persona, making his films a reflection of society’s virtues and vices.
The Prime Minister also celebrated Captain’s profound love for rural life and traditional culture. Despite achieving fame and global recognition, Captain maintained his deep-rooted connection to village life, which was reflected in his films. He made commendable efforts to bridge the gap in understanding between urban and rural communities.
Captain’s impact extended beyond cinema as he ventured into politics, aiming to serve society on a broader scale. His entry into politics was marked by courage and sacrifice, particularly in Tamil Nadu’s competitive political landscape dominated by stalwarts like Jayalalithaa Ji and Karunanidhi Ji. Captain’s party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), was founded on the principles of nationalism and social justice, aligning with his on-screen advocacy for the downtrodden. In a relatively short time, he became the principal Opposition leader in Tamil Nadu politics.
Prime Minister Modi recalled his collaboration with Captain during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, where their alliance garnered over 18.5% of the vote share, marking a significant achievement in the state’s political history. Captain’s fiery oratory and strong rapport with the people left a lasting impression.
“In the passing of Vijayakanth Ji, several people lost their most admired star and lots of people have lost their beloved leader. But I have lost a dear friend – a friend whose warmth and wisdom were remarkable. He leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. The Kural talks about how courage, generosity, wisdom, and zeal are four essential elements of a successful leader. Captain truly embodied these traits and that is why he was so widely respected. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his fans, the annals of Tamil cinema, and the corridors of public service. And, we will keep working to realise his vision for progress and social justice for all.“, PM Modi concluded.
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