Legendary comedian Vivek has been posthumously bestowed the Best Actor In a Comedy Role award at South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA).

The late actor, fondly known as 'Chinna Kalaivaanar' was given the award for his memorable role in last year's Dharala Prabhu.

His family thanked SIIMA for the recognition on social media, and said that comedian Yogi Babu received the award on the former's behalf and brought it home. They also paid gratitude to the fans for their support.

Vivek died on April 17 this year, following a heart attack. He was 59. He left behind a wife and two daughters.

Besides making indelible impact through his comedy loaded with social messages, the actor also left behind a legacy of wanting to plant 10 million trees. Although he passed on after planting over three million trees, various Kollywood figures have since vowed to continue the actor's legacy by planting trees.