Actor Vivek, a green warrior who targeted to plant one crore saplings

He had launched the ‘Green Kalam’ project, a massive tree planting drive, in 2011 and had planted nearly 33.23 lakh saplings so far

Vivekh during a recent ‘Green Kalam’ event

Actor Vivekh was known for his environmental activism as much as his acting prowess. He had taken up tree planting as his life mission in deference to the wishes of his friend and former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam to campaign against global warming.

He had launched ‘Green Kalam’ project, a massive tree planting drive, in 2011 and had planted nearly 33.23 lakh saplings so far and had targeted to plant one crore trees through Sai Prasanna Foundation that he had started in his son’s name. Vivek had travelled extensively across the State and spread awareness about global warming and environmental protection particularly among the student community.

In pictures | Vivekh, Tamil cinema’s outstanding supporting actor

Down the years, Vivekh has helped many a leading star to blockbuster glory and sustained success

Some of Vivekh's best work came when he was paired alongside Vadivelu, during the middle of their careers. They collaborated magnificently in films like 'Manathai Thirudi Vittai' and 'Middle Class Madhavan'. Despite facing a tug-of-war like situation with Vadivelu, Vivekh invented his own brand of dialogue-comedy, with a tinge of social responsibility, that was born out of instinct.

His most memorable appearance with Rajinikanth was in director Shankar's 'Sivaji: The Boss'. A constant sidekick throughout the film, Vivekh is hilarious trying to help the Superstar in his attempts to woo Shriya's character, and later, in his vigilantism to fight the system. He even helped Rajini turn fair!

A leading star who Vivekh covets. The duo has shared screen space in numerous hits together, such as 'Shahjahan', 'Badri', 'Kushi' and 'Thamizhan'. Accompanied by Vijay's superb comic timing, Vivekh has dovetailed memorably with him to bring in the laughs

Another actor Vivek enjoys a prolific history with. 'Vaalee', 'Poovellam Un Vasam', 'Kireedam'... the list is long. Add Gautham Menon's touch, and Vivek was at his classy best (also in looks) as DCP "Revolver" Richard in 'Yennai Arindhaal'

Among the younger crop of actors, it should not be an exaggeration to say that Vivekh’s best collaboration came from Dhanush — something even the former himself acknowledged once. The duo complemented each other so well that their comedy seemed natural — whether it is Vivekh’s Azhagusundaram from 'Velai Illa Pattathari' or Emotional Ekambaram from 'Uthamaputhiran'

Three of Vivekh's career-best roles came with Maddy: in 'Minnale', 'Dumm Dumm Dumm' and 'Run'. The films saw Vivekh occupy a wealth of screen space - almost as much as the hero - and he responded with rousing effect. Be it Chockalingam in 'Minnale', Jim in 'Dumm...' or Mohan in 'Run', his comedic tracks and one-liners from all three outings have resonated with audiences for decades

Though they have teamed up in other films, the Suriya-Vivekh combo really hit its stride in the 'Singam' franchise of movies, thanks to the comedian's epic characterisation of Head Constable Yettu Erimalai, who is a meme legend even today

Despite starring in less than 10 films with Vikram, Vivekh's success rate with Chiyaan is envious. The 'Saamy' franchise, 'Dhil', 'Dhool', 'Anniyan' and more: it's a never-ending highlight reel and hilarious characters that still evoke fond memories. Vivekh's portrayal of Venkataraman Iyengar from 'Saamy' is a fantastic example of social satire in Tamil cinema, that has served as a template for other comedy actors since

In the latter part of his career, Vivekh switched to playing serious, character roles that worked to the films' advantage. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the lead role of DCP Rudhran Ganesan in the neo-noir crime thriller 'Vellai Pookal'

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This staunch follower of Dr.Kalam was also involved in planting saplings through various initiatives of other organisations. One of his recent tree plantation activities was at the premises of Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital (TNGMSSH), Omandurar Government Estate in December last year.

Recalling about his association with the late actor, V.Anandakumar, nodal officer, TNGMSSH, said “He called me one evening in September last year to appreciate my work to fight COVID-19 and was in constant touch. He immediately agreed to our invitation to the inauguration of Miyawaki urban forest at Omandurar estate. He was an enthusiastic and down-to-earth person and always ready to be part of tree plantation drives.”

Vivekh with former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam

His activism did not stop with tree plantation alone. Vivekh was also involved in health awareness campaigns, including against dengue, after his son died of a dengue complication, he said.

Noting that the actor took up Dr.Kalam’s dream as his life’s mission, V.Ponraj, scientific advisor to Dr.Kalam said “Dr.Kalam had casually asked him to campaign against global warming through his movies. I was also part of the inauguration of ‘Green Kalam’ project. Vivek would have planted about 50 lakh saplings through various initiatives. He truly lived up to Swami Vivekananda’s words on dreams- ‘Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea’.”

He may have been an actor by profession. But Vivek is seen more as a green warrior and environment ambassador who inspired many people to plant and celebrate trees, said Mr.Ponraj.