Thousands of people, fans, celebrities and politicians thronged the Island Grounds near Marina beach in Chennai on Friday to pay homage to actor-turned politician Vijayakanth. Megastar Rajinikanth rushed to Chennai from Kanyakumari district to pay his last respects at Vijayakanth's funeral. He laid a garland on the decorated casket and almost cried when he recounted two incidents that showed Vijayakanth's values and the importance he attached to friendship and supporting colleagues.

Rajinikanth said that though crores of men and women live and die in this world, it is only a few like Vijayakanth and people of his ilk live forever in the hearts of people. Expressing anguish, he said though Vijayakanth used to get angry, but selfishness had never been the reason behind it. "The monicker captain is very appropriate for Vijayakanth," he told reporters, praising the departed actor.