Kollywood comedy actor Vivek passed away earlier this morning. The end reportedly came at 4.35 am at the SIIMS Hospital in Chennai where he was being treated in the ICU after suffering a massive heart attack on April 16. According to doctors, the actor had a 100% blockage in the LAD (left anterior descending artery) vessel which led to the massive cardiac arrest.

He was 59 and is survived by his wife Arul Selvi and two daughters Tejaswani and Amritha Nandhini. He lost his son Prasanna aged 13 to dengue fever in 2015 which left him devastated.

Kollywood is in a state of shock. He acted alongside the likes of Superstar Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth, Prabhu, Karthik, Vijay, Ajith, Suriya, Vikram, Simbu and Dhanush in a number of interesting roles. A recipient of Padma Shri conferred by the Government of India, he was also known for carrying out social service activities. Many celebs paying tributes to him on social media are fondly recalling how Vivek, at the request of APJ Abdul Kalam, planted millions of trees all over Tamil Nadu.

In his tribute, Rajinikanth wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Chinna Kalaivanar, social activist and my dear friend Vivek. I can never forget the days I spent with him during the shooting of 'Sivaji'. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and pray for his soul to rest in peace".

"Absolutely heartbreaking to hear the unfortunate news of @Actor_Vivek Gaaru’s demise. You have gone too soon Vivek gaaru! You have created a void that cannot be filled! RIP (sic)," Victory Venkatesh tweeted.

Prakash Raj described Vivek as a dear friend. "Thank you for planting thoughts n trees ...thank you for entertaining and empowering us with your wit and humour..will miss you...RIP," he further wrote.

Rakul Preet Singh tweeted, "Shocked and saddened by the passing away of veteran actor #Vivek sir! My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones! May his soul rest in peace (sic)."

Absolutely heartbreaking to hear the unfortunate news of @Actor_Vivek Gaaru’s demise. You have gone too soon Vivek gaaru! You have created a void that cannot be filled! RIP???? #ActorVivek

— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) April 17, 2021

Ahhh.. #vivek ...gone too soon dear friend ..thank you for planting thoughts n trees ...thank you for entertaining and empowering us with your wit and humour..will miss you...RIP pic.twitter.com/oyoOkx8G9q

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) April 17, 2021

Shocked and saddened by the passing away of veteran actor #Vivek sir! ?? My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones! May his soul rest in peace ??

— Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) April 17, 2021