Today is the 64th birthday of actor and politician Vijayakanth.

In a career spanning around 37 years, Vijayakanth has done immense contribution to Tamil film industry as one of its iconic super stars and the former President of Nadigar Sangam.

He is predominantly responsible for the popularity of cop and army hero in Tamil cinema. He is one of the best in portraying these two professions on screen and that made him win the moniker Captain with which he is fondly addressed by film fraternity, fans, political party cadres and even political leaders.

Vijayakanth debuted as a villain actor in the 1979 film Inikkum Ilamai` and gradually emerged as a hero. His first film as a hero was Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam` however the film that strongly launched him as a commercial hero was Sattam Oru Iruttarai` directed by S.A.Chandrasekar.

In his formative years (early 80s), Vijayakanth acted in films carrying revolutionary and radical thoughts such as Sattam Oru Iruttarai`, Sivappu Malli and Jaathikkoru Needhi. In these films he brilliantly portrayed the angry young revolutionist characters. Slowly he started acting in commercial films on action, romance and sentiment themes and gradually rose to the top and with many super hits films like Nooravadhu Naal`, Vaidehi Kathirundhaal`, Oomai Vizhigal`, Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri` and Amman Kovil Kizhakkale`. He became an indisputable competitor of stalwarts Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

Vijayakanth`s 100th film Captain Prabhakaran` is one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Tamil cinema and it is also one of the most memorable action films ever produced in Kollywood. He is the only star after MGR to deliver a success with his 100th outing.

Throughout the 1990s Vijayakanth excelled in versatile roles in a variety of films falling under various genres though he is more popular as a action hero. If films like Nooravadhu Naal`, Pulan Visaranai`, Captain Prabhakaran`, Chathriyan`, Chinna Gounder`, Managara Kaval`, Yezhai Jaathi`, Honest Raj`, Sethupathi IPS`, Bharathan`, Ulavuthurai` Sendoorapandi`, are some of the phenomenal super hits of Vijayakanth in the 90s and almost of all of them fall under different variety. With these films he ruled the entire decade as an indomitable star along with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and had a tremendous fan following across the state.

In 2000s Vijayakanth continued his success streak with films like Vallarasu`, Vanathaipola` and Thavasi`. In director A.R.Murugadoss`s Ramana` he underplayed as a realistic action hero and gave life to the role of an anti-corruption crusader. The film turned to be a trendsetter.

Apart from acting, Vijayakanth helmed the post of the President of Nadigar Sangam during its immense financial crisis times and was highly instrumental in saving the Sangam from drowning in debts. He organized Star Nights in foreign countries and ensured the participation all the members including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in these activities which emerged tremendous successful and fetched huge revenue for the Sangam. With this he proved his organizational and administrative capabilities.

VIjayakanth successfully channelized his fan following into good activities and consolidated them as a political force. He launched his Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in 2005. He won the MLA post in the very first time he contested in 2006 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. In 2011 his party emerged as the main opposition party with the second largest number of seats. However in the recently concluded Assembly election his party has faced a rout. Ups and downs are quite common in political career and we can expect the beloved to captain to reemerge very soon.

In the recent years Vijayakanth has become an object of ridicule mainly due to his voice (which has been badly affected due to a throat surgery) and some instances where he breached public etiquettes. He has also been a constant scapegoat for meme creators. But these were not enough to belittle his public image as a philanthropist.

His house at Chennai has quenched the hunger of hundreds and hundreds of Assistant directors and many impoverished people without expecting anything in return. He has also undertaken many welfare activities. He personally came to the ground and helped people in rescue and rehabilitation activities during the December 2015 floods in Chennai. Beyond all these people love him for his outspoken nature and innocence.

He was the only star and politician to visit all the way to Rameshwaram to personally pay his last tribute to the former India President Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam who is an inspiration to many Indians. He also wept in front of Kalam`s mortal remains which in a way enhanced his respect and reputation among people.

He is the only Tamil star who never acted in any other language films as a conscious decision. He openly trashes his party cadres in public glare. He never hesitated to admit that he gets angry when people try to intimidate him while he speaks. He has never hidden his political moves and openly held alliance talks with various parties during elections.

Vijayakanth has always been a genuine and emotional person whose words and activities are always buoyant and genuine. May be this innocence and kindness make him a people`s favorite.

IndiaGlitz is happy to wish a Happy Birthday and a long life with good health and happiness for the much beloved Captain Vijayakanth.