Legendary action hero Vijayakanth has been battling a long illness for the past few years and he is mostly restricted to his house. A few days back he was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai and it was said that it was a routine checkup and that he will be back home soon.

However news broke out that the Captain as he is fondly called by fans and followers, underwent surgery and three toes have been removed from his legs. An official statement from Vijayakanth's political party DMDK has confirmed that only one toe has been removed. It has shed light that the blood circulation was restricted in his right leg and hence the party leader's toe had to be removed surgically. The 69 year old much loved celebrity also is diabetic and doctors have adviced a couple more days rest before discharge.

Meanwhile, Vijayakanth was approached to star in an important role in 'Mazhai Pidikatha Manithan' starring Vijay Antony and directed by Vijay Milton. The team was hoping to shoot his portions on a single day but due to this sudden health setback they reportedly discarded the scene.