Legendary comedian Vivekanandan, popularly known as Vivek, who won millions of hearts with his social message incorporated comedies, passed away on April 17th while undergoing treatment for cardiac arrest in a hospital at Chennai, India. He was 59 at the time of his passing.

Vivek was introduced to cinema by none other than veteran director K Balachander who also introduced many other legends like Rajinikanth & AR Rahman. While Vivek played small roles in several Tamil films, beginning in the ‘80s, he went on to become a major comedian in the late ‘90s and the first decade of the new millennium. Between 2000 and 2010, Vivek did over 220 films. 

Vivek was popularly called “Chinna Kalaivanar'” for his ideologies on social reforms in his dialogues and jokes. Born as ‘Vivekanandan’ in Kovilpatti, Vivek’s tryst with acting started early in his life. He used to perform standup comedy during his college and early professional life, when he was employed with the state government. He was introduced in movies in 1987 by veteran director K Balachander who offered a supporting character role to Vivek in the film Manathil Urudhi Vendum. 

In comparison to other comedians in Tamil films, Vivek is more of a satirist than a slapstick comedian. Most of his humour makes people think about a social issue and its solution. His roles usually draw humour from scenes of daily life in India. Some of his most popular jokes involve serious subjects such as bribery, over-population, and political corruption. Nevertheless, he has appeared in lighter parodies too.

The actor won countless numbers of awards including the Filmfare and the Tamil Nadu State Awards. In 2009, the actor was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in India, for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Vivek also launched the ‘Green Kalam’ initiative to promote awareness and action against Global Warming. The initiative has planted one billion saplings across Tamil Nadu,  India.

His memories live on in the hearts of his fans and their laughter. Join as we celebrate the legend through the month of June! Vivek Is Our Artiste Of The Month! 

By Thineshkan