Indian cinema has witnessed many shocking and emotional stories off-screen that often go unnoticed. Among them is the heart-wrenching journey of South star Vijay Antony, who chose to give up wearing slippers after the death of his daughter. While this may sound unusual, it is a reality born out of deep personal grief. Known for his composed demeanor and music contributions in Tamil cinema, Antony’s silent tribute to his daughter has left many in awe.
A Father’s Silent Mourning
Vijay Antony, who has been part of several acclaimed films and is also a music composer, was married to Fatima Vijay Antony and had two daughters, Meera and Lara. Their lives changed forever on the morning of September 19, 2023, when Meera, their eldest daughter, died by suicide. She was found hanging in her room by the house help, sending shockwaves through the family and the South film fraternity.
The incident left Vijay Antony devastated. Director Vijay Milton, who has worked closely with him over the past two decades, revealed that the actor made a life-altering decision after this tragedy — he stopped wearing slippers altogether. The gesture, though personal and symbolic, reflects the extent of his pain and his struggle to cope with the unimaginable loss.
Immersing in Work, Yet Haunted by Grief
Vijay Milton shared that during the filming of Pichaikkaran 2, Antony also suffered a serious injury. Just as he was recovering physically, he was dealt another blow with Meera’s passing. To manage his grief, Antony turned to work, hoping the busy schedule would distract him. However, Milton says that despite the effort, the emotional wound remains fresh.
He added, “In the last two years, I have seen the most difficult chapters of Vijay’s life. His strength is admirable, but so is his vulnerability. His way of expressing his sorrow — through silence and symbolic gestures — shows the depth of his bond with Meera.”
The South film industry continues to stand in support of the grieving actor, whose story is a powerful reminder of the emotional toll fame cannot shield anyone from.