Tamil actor and comedian Vivekh, who was admitted to a hospital in Chennai on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest, died on Saturday morning. He was 59. Vivekh, one of the most loved comedians in Tamil cinema, was being treated at the SIMS Hospital at Vadapalani, where he was brought to by his family members after he fainted on Friday morning. He was resuscitated and subsequently "underwent Emergency Coronary Angiogram, followed by angioplasty," a bulletin from the hospital said on Friday. He was on Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygen or ECMO support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After the news of Vivekh's death, a shattered southern film and music industry poured their hearts out on social media. Superstar Rajinikanth, who co-starred with Vivekh in the 2007 hit Sivaji and Uzhaippali, mourned the actor, who was popularly known as Chinnakalaivanar, with these words: "The passing away of Chinnakalaivanar, social worker and my dear close friend Vivekh is very painful. Every day I spent with him during the filming of Sivaji are unforgettable days in my life. My condolences to the bereaved family. Let his soul rest in peace."
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, with whom Vivekh worked while shooting for the forthcoming film Indian 2, tweeted his eulogy that read: "An actor's duty does not end with acting, friend Vivekh believed he needed to do something beyond for society and he did. Vivekh was a believer in APJ Abdul Kalam's high ideals and a green warrior, his death is a huge loss."
Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman, who worked in several films featuring Vivekh, wrote: "Actor Vivekh, can't believe you've left us...May you rest in peace...you've entertained us for decades ..your legacy will stay with us ."
Renowned south star Prakash Raj mourned Vivekh with these words: "Ahhh.. #vivek ...gone too soon dear friend ..thank you for planting thoughts and trees ...thank you for entertaining and empowering us with your wit and humour..will miss you...RIP." Prakash Raj and Vivekh worked together in many films like Manithan, Anniyan and Oopiri.
Dhanush, who worked with Vivekh in Velaiyilla Pattathari, Velaiilla Pattadhari 2, Uthama Puthiran and Padikkathavan, tweeted: "Vivek sir" with a broken heart icon.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu wrote: "My heart feels heavy as I write this. Vivek sir's passing feels like a personal loss. He was an actor, comedian, environmentalist and a great human being. My deep condolences to Vivek sir's family. You will forever be a part of us. May your soul rest in peace."
Prithviraj Sukumaran paid a tribute to the late actor like this: "Rest in peace Vivek sir! Privileged to have worked with you. Prayers and condolences to family and friends."
R Madhavan, who has worked in Hindi and South films, tweeted: "RIP Vivekh sir. Heart broken and stunned that you would embark on your heavenly journey so suddenly and early. The world is deprived of a truly good man who genuinely cared for everyone and everything in it. I will so miss your laughter, wisdom and care. The heavens are lucky."
Music composer Devi Sri Prasad called the late actor the "greatest comedian of our time" and tweeted: "OMG..can't believe I woke up to this shocking news about legendary Vivekh...Heartbreaking...Greatest comedian of our times who always incorporated a social message into his comedy. I have always been his diehard fan. You will live in our hearts forever dear Sir."
"Not able to believe this... He made us laugh, he educated us through his performances, he cared for this world and helped teach us how to take care of it. There will never be another like you sir. We will miss you. Rest in peace, Vivekh sir," wrote actor Gautham Karthik.
Tamil actress Aathmika, who worked with the late actor in Meesaya Murukku paid a tribute to him with these words: "Shocked beyond words. Couldn't hold back my tears. God took you from us too soon. Blessed in this lifetime to share a movie with you. Will always treasure the moments shared together. A true legend in the industry. A dark day to cinema! #ripvivek sir."
Actress and activist Kasturi Shankar shared a few stills from her films with Vivekh and wrote: "Frozen in disbelief. Cannot digest that Vivek sir is no more. This is a dark day for all of us . I have lost a valuable friend. Tamil cinema has lost a favorite son. The country has lost a wonderful role model. Om Shanti Vivek."
Tamil film producer SR Prabhu wrote: "A great loss to the industry and Tamil Nadu. You will be remembered forever through millions of laughter you gave us and trees you planted!! Rest in peace Vivekh sir!"
Filmmaker Meher Ramesh expressed his grief with these words: "#RIPVivek... made us laugh with his Wit and humour in various films ..Gone too soon #Vivek...my deepest condolences to family."
Vivekh was vaccinated against COVID-19 a day before he was admitted to the hospital but a senior doctor from the hospital said that he suffered an "acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock" and his health condition had no link with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vivekh, an actor, comedian, singer and an activist, was known for his performances in films such Sivaji, Run, Saamy and Perazhagan.
He used to take an active interest in tree sapling plantations to increase green cover in the state. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.