Celebs pay tribute to Vivek: Tamil actor and Padma Shri recipient Vivek passed away on April 17 early morning in Chennai. He was 59.
The comedian suffered a massive cardiac arrest on April 16 at his home in Virugambakkam and was admitted to SIMS Hospital on Friday morning. He was showing “acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock” and underwent emergency surgery on the same day. He breathed his last on Saturday.
Several celebrities have been paying their last respects to him on social media and in public.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that both in "his films and his life, his concern for the environment and society shone through” and shared his condolences to his loved ones.
Musician AR Rahman took to Twitter and wrote, "can’t believe you’ve left us". He mentioned in his tweet that Vivek had "entertained us for decades" and his "legacy will stay with us" forever.
Super Deluxe actor Samantha Akkineni expressed her shock on Vivek's demise. She tweeted a photo of the actor and offered condolences to his family. She wrote, "What a great loss. Shocked and saddened .. #RIPVivekSir (sic)."
Vivek, a popular actor-comedian, hailed from Kovilpatti, a town in the Thoothukudi district. He was launched by legendary director K Balachander and shot to fame for his role in the 1987 film Puthu Puthu Arthangal.
Vivek also shared screen space with Rajinikanth in Shankar's Sivaji: The Boss, a favourite among the audience. Rajinikanth shared a heartfelt note after learning about Vivek's demise which read, “The passing away of my close friend Vivek, a small artist, social worker, is very painful." Recalling his days from the sets of the film Sivaji, Rajinikanth said that working with Vivek was "unforgettable".
Director Atlee wrote:
Actor Genelia Deshmukh also took to Twitter to pay her respect. Deshmukh recalled that she met the comedian when she was doing her first Tamil film, adding that he was the most "gracious" person. She thanked him for the "warmth and support" and said that she will always "treasure" those experiences.
Vivek's career flourished in the late 90s and he starred in several popular films like Kadhal Mannan, Anniyan, Eazhayin Sirippil, Mugavaree, Kushi, Pennin Manathai Thottu, Priyamanavalee, Dhill, Dhool, Minnale, Saamy and Poovellam Un Vaasam.
Mourning the shocking demise, actor Ramya Pandian, too, posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram. She wrote that Vivek showed how comedy doesn't just stop with comedy and could carry a message to society. She further added that Vivek had a "keen eye in utilising the media" to carry individual and social responsibility.
She added, "He's been my inspiration for my interest in sustainability towards a better world."
Actor Gautham Karthik tweeted that Vivek cared for this world and helped teach us how to take care of it.
Vivek is survived by his wife Arulselvi and two daughters. His son passed away a few years ago after suffering from dengue and brain fever.
Calling Vivek a "socially conscious citizen", Vikram Prabhu wrote that he was a reason for many smiles and laughter.
He was known for voicing opinions on social issues and took a stance against the trend of asking the rapist to marry the survivor in the film Kadhal Sadugudu. He had also taken jibes at superstitions and rituals portrayed in several films. He also fought against girl child infanticide (a practice that prevailed in south Tamil Nadu), caste clashes and religious superstitions.
Taking to Instagram, actor Sudha Chandran shared a picture of the late actor and called him "an actor par excellence" and a "noble soul".
A lifetime fan of former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Vivek was also a green activist. Actor Prakash Raj called him a "dear friend" and wrote, "thank you for planting thoughts n trees …thank you for entertaining and empowering us with your wit and humour."
He was also known as ‘Chinna Kalaivaanar’ and had received several awards for his performances including the Filmfare and the Tamil Nadu State Awards.
Feature Image Credit: Times of India
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/2024/11/11/2024-11-11t082606806z-shethepeople-black-logo-2000-x-2000-px-1.png){kind=logo}
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/6miAXzNQYB48C34GqAYj.jpg)