Tamil Nadu

'Gone too early': Sorrowful condolences pour in for actor Vivek

Actor Vivek passed away in Chennai in the early hours of Saturday after brief hospitalisation. He was 59.

Written by : TNM Staff

Many took to social media in disbelief, sorrow and despair to express their condolences as veteran actor-comedian Vivek passed away. He died at SIMS hospital in Chennai, at 4.35 am on Saturday. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday morning after he fell unconscious at his house. Popularly known as ‘Chinna Kalaivaanar’, Vivek was renowned for his comedy around social issues. He started out as a mimicry artist and then was introduced to Kollywood by director K Balachander.

Apart from acting in films, Vivek also was an active social worker and a vocal follower of former Indian President and missile scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Several actors, music directors across film industries expressed their condolences on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the family, friends and admirers of the late actor. The Prime Minister said, "The untimely demise of noted actor Vivek has left many saddened. His comic timing and intelligent dialogues entertained people. Both in his films and his life, his concern for the environment and society shone through. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti."

Actor Suhasini, who shared the screen with Vivek in his debut role in the film Manadhil Urudhi Vendum tweeted that the actor was too young, smart, talented and intelligent to die this early. “Shattered. Heart broken. How is this even possible Vivek. Too young, too smart, too talented, too intelligent to go so early,” she tweeted.

Actor Mayilsamy, who shared screen space with Vivek most popularly in the film Dhool, paid his last respects to the actor in Saligramam, where his body has been kept. Speaking to the media, he said, “A wonderful human being. Nobody will believe (this). He was perfectly ok in the past two days. When such things happen suddenly, it pains the heart. He always told me to inform him if someone is suffering, so that he can help them...such a good heart. I pray that his soul rest in peace.”

Actor Rajinikanth also took to his Twitter page to express his grief at the actor's passing. "Every minute we spent together during the filming of Sivaji is unforgettable. My deepest condolences to his family," he said. 

Actor Mohanlal also tweeted his condolences at the demise of Vivek. 

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan expressed his condolences to actor Vivek on social media. Kamal Haasan tweeted, "Friend Vivek was a man who did not think that an actor's responsibility ends with just acting and wanted to do something for the society that did for him.”

“Identified as a son of Kalam and a guard of the green wealth in the society, Vivek's demise comes as a great loss to Tamil society," he said.

Actor Kasturi tweeted that she has lost a valuable friend in Vivek. “Frozen in disbelief. Cannot digest that Vivek sir is no more.This is a dark day for all of us. I have lost a valuable friend. Tamil cinema has lost a favorite son. The country has lost a wonderful role model. Om Shanti Vivek,” she said.

Actor Khushboo also tweeted her shock and condolence at Vivek’s demise. “Absolutely shocking. I am shattered. How can someone who was so active and fit just go? #Vivek was a very good human being. Gone too soon. Will miss him terribly,” she said.

Actor Madhavan, who acted with Vivek in Minnale and Dumm Dumm Dumm expressed his shock over the death of the actor. "Heart broken and stunned that you would embark on your heavenly journey so suddenly and early.The world is deprived of a truly good man who genuinely cared for everyone and everything in it. I will so miss your laughter, wisdom and care.The heavens are lucky," he said.

Music Director D Imman tweeted, “My heart and soul refuses to believe the fact that our Vivek sir is no more..What an extraordinary artist and a human we had lost..My heartfelt condolences to his close knit family..”

Composer Devi Sri Prasad also expressed his condolences at the actor’s death.

Actor Sunaninaa said, “To the family, loved ones and fans of Vivek sir, please accept my heartfelt condolences. He always made us laugh but took all of our smiles with him today. He will be greatly missed. End of an era.”

Taking to Twitter, Prakash Raj said, “Gone too soon dear friend ..thank you for planting thoughts and trees ...thank you for entertaining and empowering us with your wit and humour..will miss you...RIP.”

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