When Rajinikanth and Vijayakanth appeared together in Manathil Uruthi Vendum

Veteran actor Vijayakanth made his debut in the Tamil entertainment industry in 1979 and left an indelible mark through his films in the 1980s and 1990s. Although his collaboration was limited, he was close to superstar Rajinikanth and the two only worked together in one film titled Manathil Uruthi Vendum.

In a career spanning four decades, Rajinikanth and Vijayakanth collaborated on Manathil Uruthi Vendum’s popular song Vangaala Kadale. Their cameo in the song along with heroine Suhasini Mani Ratnam became an iconic performance that still resonates with audiences today.

Manathil Uruthi Vendum is a 1987 Tamil drama film directed by K Balachander. The film stars actors including Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Vivek. The music is composed by Ilayaraja and produced by Rajam. The storyline revolves around a divorced nurse played by Suhasini who becomes the sole breadwinner of her large family. She meets a supportive novelist and begins a new chapter in her life.

Sadly, Vijayakanth passed away in December 2023 at the age of 71 due to complications from Covid-19. Rajinikanth was shooting for his upcoming film Vettaiyan when he passed away. After learning the news, Rajinikanth stopped shooting and rushed to Chennai to attend Vijayakanth’s funeral to pay his last respects to the revered actor.

Expressing his grief to the media at Tuticorin Airport, Rajinikanth praised Vijayakanth’s resilience, saying: “My heart aches. Vijayakanth was a man of strong will.” . I last met him at a general meeting of the DMDK and wished him recovery from his health issues. His death is a big loss to the people of Tamil Nadu.”

Vijayakanth’s contribution to the Tamil film industry was immense and his memorable performances and dedication earned him widespread respect and admiration. Despite their limited collaboration, his friendship with Rajinikanth remains a cherished aspect of Tamil cinema history, reflecting the unity and mutual respect among actors in the industry.