Vijayakanth, actor-politician and DMDK founder, died in Chennai and will be buried with State Honors.

On December 28, actor-politician and DMDK founder Vijayakanth died at a private hospital in Chennai. As his health deteriorated, Vijayakanth was admitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai. According to the hospital, Vijayakanth was on ventilator support after being admitted for pneumonia.

Earlier in the day, his party claimed that Vijayakanth tested positive for COVID and was placed on a ventilator owing to respiratory problems; however, the hospital bulletin stated that he was suffering from pneumonia. According to hospital sources, the party released that statement before the findings of the second set of samples were known.

The late Vijayakanth’s final rites will be held with full state honors on December 29 at the party office in Tamil Nadu’s Koyambedu, the party said in a statement on Thursday.

The ceremony is slated for roughly 4.45 p.m. on Friday, according to the announcement. MK Stalin had previously stated that the DMDK leader will be laid to rest with state honors.

The actor-turned-politician has been dealing with health concerns since November of this year. Premalatha Vijayakanth, Vijayakanth’s wife, took over as DMDK’s general secretary on December 15.

Premalatha Vijayakanth reaffirmed her dedication to the party and its people in her first speech as General Secretary. “I am now bestowed with the responsibility of the General Secretary post by Vijayakanth,” she remarked in Tamil. This party was created for the benefit of the people, and I look forward to working with you all.”