Tamil actor Vivek, 59, passed away on Saturday a day after he was admitted to a hospital in Chennai in an unconscious state and resuscitated there. He remained in a critical condition and was on cardiac and respiratory support at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Vivek underwent an emergency coronary angiogram and angioplasty after he was found to have a 100% blockage in his left coronary artery. Now, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share his condolences to Vivek. The honorable PM Narendra Modi has written that "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."
Vivek received his first dose of Covaxin at a government health facility in Chennai. After getting the vaccine, Vivek also urged the public to get vaccinated. He had been involved in awareness campaigns including those related to dengue. On Friday also, Tamil Nadu health secretary J Radhakrishnan clarified that Vivek’s cardiac condition is not linked to his Covid vaccination on Thursday. Vivek is survived by his widow and two daughters. Vivek made his mark as a comedian and was known to infuse social themes and messages in his comic roles. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2009.Vivek has acted in more than 150 films in Tamil