Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, who is also the leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam party, wrote a beautiful eulogy for his dear friend, actor and politician Captain Vijayakanth. The veteran was not in good health in recent times and he passed away today in Chennai at the age of 71.

Kamal Haasan's condolence post is now going viral. A rough translation of Ulaganayagan's statement is here: "The news of the death of my beloved brother Vijayakanth, the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, a unique actor in Tamil cinema and fondly called 'Captain' by everyone, is deeply saddening.

He lived with humanity in every action. He was the dawn of a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics. He had a helping hand extended to the poor. Also, fearless courage was his hallmark. Vijayakanth is Puratchi Kalaignar in both cinema and politics and he will remain forever in our memories.

I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his family, party cadres and fans who are grieving his loss."

எனது அன்பிற்கினிய சகோதரர், தேசிய முற்போக்குத் திராவிட கழகத்தின் நிறுவனத் தலைவர், தமிழ் சினிமாவின் தனித்துவம் மிக்க நடிகர், கேப்டன் என்று அனைவராலும் அன்பு பாராட்டப்பட்ட விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவுச் செய்தி மிகுந்த துயரத்தைத் தருகிறது.

தன் ஒவ்வொரு செயலிலும் மனிதநேயத்தைக்…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 28, 2023