Actor Vijayakanth, a towering figure in Tamil cinema, is currently recuperating in the hospital. His recent illness has sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting many to reflect on his immense contributions to Tamil cinema. Vijayakanth is not just an actor; he is a mentor, a savior, and a beacon of hope for countless aspiring artists.
Among those who owe their success to Vijayakanth is none other than Vadivelu, the once-reigning king of comedy in Tamil cinema. Vadivelu’s journey from humble beginnings as an umbrella holder to a household name is a testament to Vijayakanth’s unwavering support and belief in his protégé.
However, as Vadivelu’s star rose, his loyalty to Vijayakanth began to wane. Instead of expressing gratitude for the hand that had lifted him up, Vadivelu started taking his mentor’s support for granted, even going so far as to publicly criticize him.
This ungrateful behavior marked the beginning of Vadivelu’s downfall. His career, once soaring at the peak of Tamil comedy, started to falter. Audiences, who once adored his unique brand of humor, turned away from him, disillusioned by his betrayal.
In an interview, veteran actor Thyagu revealed an incident that perfectly encapsulates Vadivelu’s character. During the shooting of the film “Chinna Gounder,” Vadivelu, then a struggling actor, was paid a meager sum of 250 rupees for holding an umbrella for Vijayakanth. Despite his humble position, Vadivelu would audaciously squeeze Vijayakanth’s leg every evening, a sign of disrespect that went unnoticed due to Vijayakanth’s forgiving nature.
Vadivelu’s arrogance reached new heights when he purchased a house near Vijayakanth’s residence. When a funeral procession passed by Vadivelu’s house, he rudely ordered the mourners to move their vehicles, even though the street was public property. This insensitive act further tarnished Vadivelu’s reputation among his peers and the public.
The final straw came when Vadivelu clashed with Vijayakanth’s men at the funeral of Vakil Baba, Vijayakanth’s cousin. Enraged by Vadivelu’s disrespectful behavior, Vijayakanth’s men beat him up, leaving him humiliated and disgraced.
Vadivelu, desperate to escape the consequences of his actions, sought help from actor Thyagu, who in turn contacted the then-chief minister, Karunanidhi. Karunanidhi intervened and instructed the Commissioner of Police, Nanjil Kumaran, to rescue Vadivelu from Vijayakanth’s men.
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Vadivelu’s actions on that fateful day marked the beginning of his downfall. His career, once the envy of the industry, spiraled downward, and he was forced to accept low-budget films and stage performances.
The story of Vadivelu serves as a stark reminder of the importance of humility, gratitude, and respect. His rise to fame was nothing short of meteoric, but his arrogance and betrayal ultimately led to his downfall. Vadivelu’s tale is a cautionary one, a reminder that even the most successful individuals can fall from grace if they fail to uphold their values and treat others with kindness and respect.