Tamil cinema’s former leading actor and DMDK leader, Vijayakanth (71), passed away. He had entered a private hospital in Chennai the previous day and was confirmed to be COVID-19 positive. Despite efforts to stabilize his health, he succumbed to the illness early this morning. The official announcement of his demise came from the hospital authorities today. Vijayakanth, not just a charismatic actor of a bygone era in Tamil cinema but also the founder-leader of DMDK, underwent a transition from the silver screen to politics. Today, the curtain falls on the shining star who once illuminated the world of Tamil cinema.