Vijay is one of the highest paid artists in Indian cinema over the past three decades and has launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024
Indian actor and politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known only as Vijay or by the nickname “Thalapathy”, led a rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, when a riot left at least 36 dead and dozens injured on Saturday (27). Born in Chennai on June 22, 1974, Vijay is one of the Indian’s highest paid actors over the past three decades and launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024. Since then, he has attracted large crowds to his public meetings while preparing for state elections planned for the beginning of 2026.
Tamil Nadu’s chief minister MK Stalin described the episode as worrying and said he instructed former Minister V. Senthilbalaji, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian and the district administrator to ensure immediate medical care to the victims. At least 44 doctors from neighboring districts, such as Tiruchirappalli and Salem, were sent to Karur.
The Indian Prime Minister, classified the incident as “deeply sad” in social networks, while local authorities reinforced medical assistance to people affected by the turmoil. The riot was reportedly provoked when part of the crowd, eager to see Vijay, advanced against security barriers, interrupting the actor and politician’s speech.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Felipe Cerqueira
