The South Indian film industry is mourning with actor and filmmaker Vijay Antony, who has made a poignant decision to forgo footwear following the tragic death of his 16-year-old daughter, Meera. Meera reportedly died by suicide on September 19, 2023, leaving the actor and his family devastated.

Vijay Antony, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema, is known for his multifaceted career as an actor, music composer, playback singer, lyricist, filmmaker, and audio engineer. He is married to Fatima Vijay Antony, and they have another daughter, Lara.

Director Vijay Milton, who has worked with Antony for over two decades, revealed the actor's decision to stop wearing footwear as a way of coping with the immense grief. According to Milton, Antony has been trying to immerse himself in work to distract from the pain, but the emotional wound remains fresh. This symbolic gesture reflects the depth of his sorrow and his struggle to come to terms with the tragic loss of his daughter.

Close associates say that Antony's strength is admirable, but so is his vulnerability. His way of expressing sorrow through silence and symbolic gestures has touched many.

Before this tragedy, Vijay Antony always credited his wife, Fatima, as the producer for all films produced by his Film Corporation. However, for his film "Romeo," which was the first to be released after Meera's death, he paid tribute to his eldest daughter by crediting her as the producer.

The loss of a child is an unimaginable pain, and Vijay Antony's decision to stop wearing footwear is a personal and silent tribute to his daughter, Meera. It highlights the profound impact her death has had on him and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.