Stars rally for lasting tribute to Vishnuvardhan

Time of India

2 days ago

Kannada film fraternity condemns overnight razing of Vishnuvardhan's memorial
The sudden overnight demolition of a structure at Kannada cinema legend Dr
Vishnuvardhan
's memorial, located within Abhiman Studio, has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film fraternity and his legion of fans.
The unexpected action, reportedly carried out under court orders with police protection, has ignited widespread grief and outrage.
The act has also attracted strong condemnation from several prominent actors.
It was like seeing a temple being destroyed: Sudeep
Actor Sudeep, who shared a deep bond with the late actor Vishnuvardhan, expressed his heartbreak in an emotional video. 'Vishnuvardhan is not just a name — he is an emotion. When I heard the memorial was torn down, it was like seeing a temple—the one we prayed at for years—being destroyed.
They say it was done under High Court orders, but earlier, we had fought hard through ministers and the government to save it. I had offered to bear any cost required.
Those in power could have stopped it with a small effort — they didn't. Now, instead of begging, let's focus on what can be done next. I have said this before, and I will say it again, 'Cry for ten minutes, but on the eleventh, think about the next step.' Now, as Vishnu sir's fans, let's think about what needs to be done next.
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I have spoken to the chief of Dr Vishnu Sir's fan association, and they are planning to build a grand, tall statue of the actor. I will help in every way possible.'
Insult to such an achiever is not right: Dhruva Sarja
Actor Dhruva Sarja took to social media to voice his disapproval: 'There is no death for a true achiever, nor for art… Vishnu Appaji is immortal… Why does a person who has built a temple in the hearts of crores of Kannadigas need a memorial? Yet, in this land, such an insult to such an achiever is not right.
It causes immense pain to the heart. I stand honestly with the fans of Vishnu Sir. I am waiting for your next move. Jai Kannadambe, Vishnu Dada is immortal.
'
This should never have happened: Anirudh Jatkar
Actor Anirudh Jatkar, Vishnuvardhan's son-in-law, revealed that the family was unaware of the demolition plans. 'This should never have happened. Everyone in Karnataka knows how sacred that place is. For fans, it's not just a location — it's a place of love, respect, and emotional connection,' he said.
Anirudh added, 'We had no idea the memorial was being taken down.' Describing the demolition as 'deeply painful—impossible to put into words,' he also emphasised their repeated requests to allow fans access to the memorial for paying tribute.
Grave disrespect to his personality, service to the arts: Rishab Shetty
Filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty condemned the demolition on social media, describing the act as 'condemnable.' He urged both fans and authorities to recognise the deep emotional connection people share with the late star.
'The incident involving Dr Vishnuvardhan Sir's memorial is unacceptable. This has inflicted a deep pain on every admirer who cherishes him sincerely. The recurrence of such incidents concerning one of the state's greatest actors is a grave disrespect to his personality and service to the arts.
'
We must find a lasting solution immediately: Sriimurali
Sriimurali wrote: 'The recent developments regarding our beloved Vishnuvardhan's memorial are deeply saddening and painful.
Such acts of disrespect toward a great actor who dedicated his entire life to the Kannada film industry—and earned the love and admiration of the entire state through his extraordinary talent— are truly heartbreaking. We must all immediately come together to find a lasting solution for the construction and preservation of his monument.
This is not merely about a structure; it symbolises the gratitude and reverence we hold for our Sahasimha.'
This is truly disgraceful, shameful: Vasishta N Simha
Actor Vasishta N Simha posted a heartfelt video denouncing the demolition. 'Something truly disgraceful, shameful, and unacceptable has happened. After years of struggle, we believed a logical end was in sight—a place where we, his fans, could gather to remember and celebrate Vishnu Sir. We had all been looking forward to it. But overnight, and in complete secrecy, the memorial has 'vanished'. There are no words worthy enough to describe those responsible—what they have done feels nothing short of a crime.
This raises a painful question: did Vishnu Sir deserve such treatment? Has our state failed to honour an actor of his stature? Is there no value for his achievements, his personality, or the ideals he stood for? I despise those who plotted this demolition. My heart is deeply hurt.'