Chennai, Nov 11 (NationPress) The renowned Tamil actress Vijayalakshmi has crafted a poignant tribute to the late actor Abhinay, who departed this world at the tender age of 44 on Monday. She expressed a sense of joy for him, stating that his struggles had finally come to an end.

In a heartfelt post on her Instagram, the actress reminisced about the singular occasion she collaborated with Abhinay. She shared, "After 'Chennai 28', I featured in a national advertisement for WorldSpace Satellite Radio, which was quite significant during that time. I worked alongside Abhinay, who was the top face in the advertising industry. The commercial depicted a newlywed Tamil couple."

Vijayalakshmi described the advertisement as deeply meaningful, recounting their four days of shooting in Delhi while residing in a serviced apartment.

"Each evening, the North Indian crew would drop us off and leave," she noted, revealing that she wasn't the confident individual she is today. "I was a timid girl, anxious around strangers, and still discovering my place in the world," she added, explaining how the situation felt like a cultural shock when the crew arranged for her to stay with someone she barely knew.

"At that time, I was already in love with Feroz and was too frightened to share with him that I was living with a man. The stress was overwhelming. However, Abhinay was a true gentleman. Well-mannered, kind, and incredibly professional, he effortlessly commanded every frame on screen," she reminisced.

During that time, she observed him sitting alone and drinking each night after the shoot. "I would occasionally peek out of my room to see if he was still there. He always was, finishing a bottle, lost in his thoughts. It was heavy to witness someone so young drink in such silence," she shared.

Vijayalakshmi then recounted a significant conversation they had on their last day. "There was one question that had been weighing on my mind, one I had promised myself not to ask. Yet, it slipped out naturally. 'Why do you drink so much? You're young, successful, doing well... why this habit?'" she recalled asking Abhinay.

"That was when he opened up. He shared details about his life, his responsibilities, his mother, and the burden of being the provider. He spoke about the pressure, the pain, and the loneliness. I remained silent, simply listening for two hours. I allowed him to pour out his heart until he felt exhausted and almost at peace. The next day at the airport, as we were saying goodbye, he looked at me and said, 'No one has ever listened to my pain like that before. Thank you, Viji. I didn't know God made girls like you. Let me know if you have a twin sister.' I laughed and hugged him. That was the last time I saw him," she remembered.

In conclusion, she shared, "Today, upon hearing of his passing, I cried, but not tears of sadness. Oddly, I felt happy for him, relieved that his struggles had ended and that he had finally found peace. I didn't say RIP. Instead, I said, 'Party big, buddy,' because this time, I knew he wasn't drinking to numb his pain; he was celebrating his freedom."