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."
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021
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.
Shattered. Heart broken. How is this even possible vivek. Too young too smart too talented too intelligent to go so early.
— Suhasini Maniratnam (@hasinimani) April 17, 2021
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.
#RipVivek pic.twitter.com/MSYVv9smsY
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 17, 2021
Actor Mohanlal also tweeted his condolences at the demise of Vivek.
Heartfelt condolences pic.twitter.com/L78R3C9UqF
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) April 17, 2021
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.”
நடிகனின் கடமை நடிப்பதோடு முடிந்தது என்று இருந்துவிடாமல் தனக்குச் செய்த சமூகத்துக்கு தானும் ஏதேனும் செய்ய விரும்பியவர், செய்தவர் நண்பர் விவேக். மேதகு கலாமின் இளவலாக, பசுமைக் காவலராக வலம் வந்த விவேக்கின் மரணம் தமிழ்ச் சமூகத்திற்கு ஏற்பட்ட பேரிழப்பு.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 17, 2021
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.
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 pic.twitter.com/ZWvji6m2x5
— Kasturi Shankar (@KasthuriShankar) April 17, 2021
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.
Absolutely shocking. I am shattered. How can someone who was so active n fit just go? #Vivek was a very good human being. Gone too soon. Will miss him terribly. #RIP #Vivek
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) April 17, 2021
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.
RIP @Actor_Vivek sir.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 pic.twitter.com/cb3QKyp5Ih
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) April 17, 2021
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..”
My heart and soul refuses to believe the fact that our Vivek sir is no more..
— D.IMMAN (@immancomposer) April 17, 2021
What an extraordinary artist and a human we had lost..
My heartfelt condolences to his close knit family..#RIPVivekSir
Composer Devi Sri Prasad also expressed his condolences at the actor’s death.
OMG..cant believe I woke up to this Shocking news abt Legendary @Actor_Vivek sir
— DEVI SRI PRASAD (@ThisIsDSP) April 17, 2021
Heartbreaking..
Greatest Comedian of our Times who always incorporated a Social Message into his COMEDY
I hav always been his diehard FAN
U wl live in our Hearts forever dear Sir#ripvivek pic.twitter.com/4ferfSsgDm
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.”
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.#RIPvivek sir
— SUNAINAA (@TheSunainaa) April 17, 2021
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.”
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
Shattered!! Heartbroken to know that the greatest comedian of our times is no more!! You will always be missed @Actor_Vivek sir #ripvivek sir
— R Ajay Gnanamuthu (@AjayGnanamuthu) April 17, 2021
Not able to believe this... He made us laugh, he educated us through his performances, he cared for this world and helped teach us how to take care of it.
— Gautham Karthik (@Gautham_Karthik) April 17, 2021
There will never be another like you sir.
We will miss you.
Rest in peace @Actor_Vivek sir#ripvivek pic.twitter.com/3JXfRkn3T2
Extremely painful to hear this. May god give strength to the family and the film industry. #RIPVivek
— Anand Shankar (@anandshank) April 17, 2021
The world is becoming more and more uncertain and unfair to life. pic.twitter.com/XUi1fVpdff