Veteran Tamil film actor Vivek’s untimely demise left PM Narendra Modi, actor Mammootty and Rajinikanth mourning on Twitter. The 59-year-old actor-comedian passed away on Saturday in Chennai at the SIMS hospital after suffering from a heart attack.

On Friday the veteran actor known for his socially comical films and quips was admitted to hospital after he suffered from a cardiac arrest. After his hospitalization the media reported that Vivek’s health deteriorated after he received his first jab of COVID-19 vaccine.

However, the official statement of the hospital where he was being treated stated that he suffered “an acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock. This is a separate cardiac event. It may not be due to Covid vaccination”. The Tamil Nadu Health Department also dismissed all rumours of him being admitted after the COVID-19 vaccine.

Entertainment Industry comes together in paying tribute to Vivek

After his sudden death, several giants from the entertainment industry including A.R. Rahman, Mammootty, Madhavan, Rajinikanth came together in their mourning. All the respective individuals took to Twitter to share their grief.

Rajinikanth in his tweet wrote, “Jr Kalaivanar, social activist, and my close friend, Vivek. His demise has caused me a lot of pain. I can never forget the time I shared with him during the making of Sivaji. My deep condolences to his family. Let his soul rest in peace.”

Prime Minister Modi also joined the nation in mourning and took to Twitter saying, “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.”

Grammy and Academy Award winning composer-singer A.R. Rahman also shared his shock and 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 are some other leading figures from entertainment industry who took to Twitter and shared their disbelief and grief on Vivek’s demise:

Vivek’s death after raising awareness on safety of COVID-19 vaccine

Actor Vivek’s death came as a shock to everyone who was keeping a close eye on all his doings. Just recently, Vivek did another socially positive act and was in headlines for that. The late actor had an event where he took the first jab of COVID-19 vaccine and publicized it, telling people that the vaccine was safe and they shouldn’t be in any fear.

Vivek was quoted by the media saying:

“The government hospitals provide healthcare services to the majority of poor people. Many have doubts about vaccination and its side effects. There are also several rumours doing the rounds. I want to put an end to all the rumours. I want to show people that there is no danger in getting vaccinated. On the contrary, it will protect us. And it is not like this vaccination will completely prevent us from getting Covid-19 infection. After the vaccination, even if we catch the virus, there won’t be death. So, after vaccination, we should still follow the safety guidelines.”

The life and times of Vivek (1961-2021)

Vivek was born in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin’s district. The veteran actor took his first step into Tamil film industry in 1980 by assisting the director K Balachandar and helping him with the writing of the script. However, Balachander saw the depth and breath of Vivek’s comedic timing and sense. Hence, he offered a role in his film Manathil Urudhi Vendum in 1987.

Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal and breaking into Tamil film industry

His second film Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal made him break through the Tamil film industry. The film gave him a household reputation of a kind hearted man who lives in the ‘now’. The film also gave him a punchline “Innaki setha nalaiku paal” that he was famous for throughout his career.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalan’s influence on Vivek

All through his career that spanned over 3 decades, Vivek always made it a point to promote critical and socially positive thinking.

A big fan of former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Vivek made sure he imbedded Kalam’s teaching in his films and landed the teachings in the form of clean and accessible humour.

Later in 2000s, he also kick-started an initiative called Green Kalam. This initiative saw Vivek engaging with people and preaching to them about the perils of global warming.

For his service to the nation in the form of entertainment and acting, the Central Government awarded him Padma Shri in 2009.