Popular Tamil Comedian Vivekh Dies of Heart Attack

Chennai:  Popular Tamil actor Vivekh, who won the hearts of millions of people by his sharp wit and noted for his social work and promoting the cause of environmental protection, died here on Saturday.

The 59-year-old comedian died in the early hours, SIMS Hospital vice president Dr Raju Sivasamy said.

The government, meanwhile said 'police honours' would be accorded to the actor's funeral to honour his contribution to the film world and social service.

The actor is survived by wife and two daughters . Some years ago, his teenaged son had died.

On Friday, the actor suffered a cardiac arrest due to acute coronary syndrome and he was treated for it and put on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation support, a heart-lung assistance machine.

Vivekh was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state by his family.

The comedian, who has acted in over 200 films is noted for his work on the environmental protection front and he actively campaigned and involved himself in planting saplings and afforestation.

He often collaborated with the government in disseminating important social awareness messages to the public -through mediums like television- -including those on preventing coronavirus spread.

 The actor had got administered the COVID-19 vaccine at a government facility on Thursday here to allay the fears of the public on the COVID-19 vaccine.

 According to authorities, the cardiac arrest Vivekh suffered was not due to the vaccination.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan had said there was no COVID-19 vaccine reaction on the actor who had tested negative for the virus.

Vivekh's dialogues in movies, including 'Saamy' couched in social messages like ones against caste discrimination earned him the sobriquet of 'Chinna Kalaivanar.'

 Yesteryear versatile comedian N S Krishnan was praised as 'Kalaivanar' for his commitment to an egalitarian society which reflected in his films too. 'Kalai' denotes arts and 'vaanan' refers to an expert in a given field while 'Chinna Kalaivanar' meant 'Junior Kalaivaanar.'

A Padma Shree recipient, Vivekh acted with top Tamil heroes, including Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith Kumar and has performed in lead roles in 'Palakkadu Madhavan,' 'Nan Dhaan Bala,' and 'Vellai Pookal.' The 2020 comedy flick 'Dharala Prabhu' was his last movie.

 His long-time friend and noted comedian Charlie said Vivekh was the 'hero' among comedians who always helped people in need and he could not tolerate injustice to anyone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, DMK president M K Stalin, Actor Rajinikanth, Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan were among who expressed shock and grief over his death and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved.

Film stars, celebrities and his fans flocked to Vivekh's residence to pay floral tributes and they also took to Twitter to convey their condolences.

After a while in government service at the Secretariat, Vivekh debuted in ace director K Balachander's 'Manadhil Urudhi Vendum' (1987), the CM said and listed movies including 'Dhool' 'Vedi' 'Poovellam Un Vaasam,' 'Anniyan,' and 'Singham' for not only making people have a hearty laugh but also to reflect and think.