CHENNAI: Thousands thronged the Island Grounds on Friday to pay homage to actor-turned politician Vijayakant.

Superstar Rajinikanth, who rushed here from Kanniyakumari district to pay his last respects on Friday, laid a garland and almost cried when he recounted two incidents that showed Vijayakant’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 Vijayakant and people of his ilk live forever in the hearts of people. Expressing anguish, he said though Vijayakant used to get angry, but selfishness had never been the reason behind it. “The moniker captain is very appropriate for Vijayakant,” he told reporter.