The 59-year-old actor, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contribution to Indian Cinema, died following a cardiac arrest at 4.35 am on Saturday.
Veteran actor, comedian, playback singer and activist Vivek passed away in Chennai on Saturday. He was 59.
The 59-year-old actor died following a cardiac arrest at 4.35 am on Saturday.
Vivek had been admitted to the SIMS Hospital in Vadapalani on Friday after he complained of discomfort. He was unconscious when he was brought to the emergency room.
The actor underwent an emergency coronary angiogram followed by angioplasty on Friday following which he was put on ECMO support in the intensive care unit.
On Thursday, the actor was declared as the state's ambassador for creating awareness on the Covid vaccine. He took the Covaxin in Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai.
Both the hospital and state Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan have dismissed rumours linking Vivek's cardiac arrest and the vaccine shot he received.
Radhakrishnan clarified around 830 people were administered the Covaxin at the same hospital on Thursday and all of them were fine.
The actor was introduced to cinema by veteran director K Balachander. He went on to act in over 220 films. Vivek was awarded the Padma Shri in 2009.
Following Vivek's demise, celebrities took to social media to pay their tributes.
Ahhh.. ...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)
Absolutely shocking. I am shattered. How can someone who was so active n fit just go? was a very good human being. Gone too soon. Will miss him terribly.
— KhushbuSundar ❤️ (@khushsundar)
Shattered. Heart broken. How is this even possible vivek. Too young too smart too talented too intelligent to go so early.
— Suhasini Maniratnam (@hasinimani)
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. sir 🙏🏽
— SUNAINAA (@TheSunainaa)
Shocking to know that sir is no more with us.. A great man with a lovely heart who made us laugh and think responsibly. Gone too soon..😔
We are definitely going to miss his presence..
We love you sir!!😭
You will always be there in our hearts..🙏
Just can't accept sir is no more. His work in cinema and social work will be remembered for long long time. He will live on in our hearts and in every tree that he planted. Go well dear sir.
— Prasanna (@Prasanna_actor)