Chennai: Actor Vivek had also developed a close bonding to the principles of former President A P J Abdul Kalam and highlighted them through his roles.
Vivek called on Kalam when the latter was the President at Rashtrapathi Bhavan. Kalam advised him to propagate the need for a green movement and growing more trees. Soon, Vivek started a movement to plant a billion trees across Tamilnadu by reaching out to students and the society at large.
He set himself a target of one crore saplings to be planted across Tamilnadu. He has so far managed to plant 33 lakh saplings, say sources close to him.
A great admirer of Kalam, Vivek had scenes in his films where he highlighted the messages of Kalam for society.
Says Pon Raj, former advisor to Abdul Kalam, “Vivek shared a good relationship with Kalam. He practised Kalam’s words to perfection. Kalam called Vivek on several occasions and adviced him on what best he could do for society”.
To incorporate messages relevant for society through comedy in cinema is no easy task. It may end up being preachy for audience. But Vivek managed to master the task. He succeed in walking the tight rope. He will be missed, he adds.