Who Is Vijayakanth? Age, Biography and Wiki
Vijayakanth, born on August 25, 1952, was an influential figure in the Indian film industry and politics. He became a household name in Tamil cinema with his unique acting style and powerful screen presence. Over his decades-long career, he starred in a multitude of films, earning accolades and a massive fanbase. Besides his acting achievements, Vijayakanth was also a prominent political figure, founding the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a party that aimed to represent the interests of the Tamil people.
In 2025, Vijayakanth's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and followers alike, marking over four decades of impactful contributions to both cinema and public service.
Occupation | Film Producer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 25, 1952 |
Age | 71 Years |
Birth Place | Madurai, Madras State, India |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | India |
Date of death | 28 December, 2023 |
Died Place | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Popularity
Vijayakanth's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements for Vijayakanth may vary, he is commonly reported to stand at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. He had a robust physique, contributing to his commanding presence both on-screen and off. Details regarding his weight are less frequently reported. As an actor and politician, he maintained an active lifestyle, indicative of his robust health during his career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Vijayakanth was married to Premalatha Vijayakanth, with whom he shared a loving relationship. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter, who have occasionally been in the limelight, reflecting their father's influence. As of 2025, there have been no public reports indicating any extramarital affairs or disputes concerning his personal life, affirming his status as a devoted family man.
His parents were K. N. Alagarswami and Aandal. Vijayakanth grew up idolising M. G. Ramachandran and displayed passion towards community and societal issues. During his young age, his father was concerned about Vijayakanth as he showed less interest towards studies and was more interested in cinema.
His father ran a rice mill at Keeraithurai where Vijayakanth went on to work and surprised him with his administrative skills.
Net Worth and Salary
While precise figures regarding Vijayakanth's net worth in 2025 are not publicly available, his earnings prior to his passing in 2023 and accumulated wealth from his acting career, politics, and business ventures have been estimated in the range of $10 million to $20 million. His income derived from acting, endorsements, and political ventures contributed significantly to this wealth.
Vijayakanth served as the president of the Nadigar Sangam (actors association) from 2000 to 2006. He is credited with bringing the association out of debt and establishing a charitable trust that paid pension to low-income members of the film industry. He was likened to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. G.
Ramachandran for his humanitarian work and for his role in supporting impoverished personnel from the Tamil film industry.
He accepted deferred remuneration for certain films to help struggling film producers and also preached for food equality on film sets, demanding that all the crew members must be given the same quality meals that he was served.
Career, Business and Investments
Vijayakanth's career spanned over three decades, during which he starred in numerous blockbuster films, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Tamil cinema. Some of his notable films include "Captain Prabhakaran," "Maanagaram Maanagaram," and "Virumandi." His transition into politics in the early 2000s, through the founding of the DMDK, showcased his ambition to serve and empower the community.
In addition to his film and political career, Vijayakanth ventured into various business investments, including real estate and production companies, further solidifying his financial legacy.
Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politics in the later part of his career and founded his own party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.
Social Network
Vijayakanth was particularly popular on social media platforms, where he interacted with fans and shared insights about his career and political views. His pages often included updates about his upcoming projects and political endeavors. The following social networks were pivotal for him:
- Facebook: Engaging with millions of followers, sharing clips of his films and public appearances.
- Twitter: Offering insights into his political views and opinions on social issues.
- Instagram: Highlighting moments from his personal and professional life, showcasing his family, and connecting with the younger audience.
In the next few years, Vijayakanth often portrayed the character of an angry young man in films with revolutionary story lines such as Sivappu Malli (1981) and Jadhikkoru Needhi (1981). He became a popular commercial hero after his role in Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981), directed by S. A.
Chandrasekhar, with whom he collaborated in numerous films thereafter. The film became a hit and was remade in several other Indian languages. He played the villain in Om Shakti (1982), which was his last antagonist part in a film.
His subsequent commercial films included Dowry Kalyanam (1983), Nooravathu Naal (1984) and Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal (1984), which became successes. He became lead actor to appear in the most films in 1984. He acted in Annai Bhoomi (1985), the first 3D film made in the Tamil film industry, alongside Radha Ravi and Tiger Prabhakar.
He co-starred with Vishnuvardhan in Eetti (1985) and acted in the commercially successful romantic comedy Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri (1985). He went on to act in Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1986), which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil; the film ran for 150 days in theatres.
In 1986, he appeared in Manakanakku, the only film in which he worked alongside Kamal Haasan.
Education
Vijayakanth's educational background included primary and secondary schooling in Tamil Nadu. He pursued his interests in acting at a young age, participating in various local dramas before entering cinema. Although not extensively documented, his commitment to education and self-improvement remained evident throughout his career, inspiring many young actors and politicians in Tamil Nadu.
In conclusion, the legacy of Vijayakanth lives on in the hearts of many, with his contributions to cinema and public service continuing to be celebrated. He remains a significant figure in the Indian entertainment industry and political landscape, reflecting the impacts of his life and career well into 2025 and beyond.
In 2001, Vijayakanth founded Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering. Vijayakanth launched a television channel Captain TV on 14 April 2010. Vijayakanth later launched a news channel Captain News on 29 August 2012.