Remembrance rally in Chennai for Vijayakanth

Thousands of fans and supporters have gathered together to remember actor-turned-politician on his first death anniversary

Despite a minor controversy, this morning when it was learned that the Chennai City Police had not granted permission for a peaceful rally to be held, the rally went ahead peacefully. Supporters of Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murporkku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) were angry about permission not being granted, but matters calmed somewhat when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attended the event and even paid tribute to Vijaykanth.

Kamalhaasan and Rajinikanth, neither of whom attended the event, took to social media to pay tribute to the late actor. They both mentioned his unwavering commitment to the people, his selfless nature and the love he ad for his home state.

The memorial event, dubbed Guru Pooja Day, was held at the Vijayakanth memorial in Koyambedu. Apart from the formal programme, there was a lso the feeding of more than 25 000 visitors to the memorial: It was through Vijayakanth’s direct action that the practice of standard meals for everyone on the sets of a film was introduced and is still practiced today.