One of the most loved, veteran Tamil comedian-actor, Vivek, passed away earlier this morning at the age of 59. He was admitted in a hospital in Chennai after he complained of discomfort and suffered a cardiac arrest.
A bulletin in the private hospital he was admitted to said that the actor underwent an emergency angiogram followed by angioplasty. The hospital also added that he suffered from “an acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock. This is a separate cardiac event. It may not be due to Covid vaccination.”
Vivek just took the Coronavirus shot at a government hospital this Thursday and even advocated the importance of vaccination to fight COVID-19. Refuting the rumours that his cardiac arrest was a reaction to the Coronavirus vaccination, the Tamil Nadu Health Department had to call in a press meet to state that it wasn’t related.
Reacting to the news of his sudden demise, celebrities from A.R. Rahman to Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to their social media to offer their condolences. A. R. Rahman wrote, “Can’t believe you’ve left us…may you rest in peace…you’ve entertained us for decades…your legacy will stay with us”.
Here is his tweet:
@Actor_Vivek can’t believe you’ve left us ..May you rest in peace ..you’ve entertained us for decades ..your legacy will stay with us🌹
— A.R.Rahman #99Songs 😷 (@arrahman) April 17, 2021
R. Madhavan, who has acted alongside Vivek in his Tamil films, also tweeted, expressing his grief.
Here is his tweet:
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
The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi also offered his condolences:
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
Actress Samantha shared glimpses from Vivek’s iconic films, and took to her Instagram to share a note for him. Here is her post:
Known for his sharp tongue, wit and concern for the society and environment around him — both in his comedy and in his various social activities, Vivek had won hearts of his audiences in film like ‘Run’, ‘Anniyan’, ‘Shivaji’ and so many more films over three decades now. The actor is survived by his wife and two daughters. His son passed away a few years ago after suffering from dengue and brain fever.
Here’s sending his family strength. May his soul rest in peace.