Rishab Shetty Condemns Demolition Of Dr Vishnuvardhan's Memorial: 'Caused Great Pain'

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The demolition of Dr. Vishnuvardhan's memorial at Abhiman Studio has sparked outrage in Karnataka. Fans protested, and actor Rishab Shetty condemned the act.
The demolition of a structure at late Kannada cinema legend Dr Vishnuvardhan's resting place has sparked outrage across Karnataka, reigniting a long-standing dispute over the preservation of his memorial. On Friday, emotions ran high outside Abhiman Studio in Kengeri, where the actor was cremated in 2009, as fans gathered in large numbers to protest the move. The incident has now drawn strong condemnation from Kantara actor Rishab Shetty.
Expressing solidarity with the late actor's admirers, Rishab Shetty wrote in Kannada on X (formerly known as Twitter), 'What happened with Dr. Vishnuvardhan Sir's memorial is condemnable. This has caused great pain to every fan who adores him wholeheartedly. The fact that such incidents are happening repeatedly with one of the country's leading actors is a disrespect to his personality and artistic service."
Take a look at his post here:
ಡಾ. ವಿಷ್ಣುವರ್ಧನ್ Sir ಅವರ ಸ್ಮಾರಕದ ವಿಚಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದಿರುವುದು ಖಂಡನೀಯ. ಅವರನ್ನು ಹೃದಯಪೂರ್ವಕವಾಗಿ ಆರಾಧಿಸುವ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗೂ ಇದು ಅತೀವ ನೋವುಂಟು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ನಾಡಿನ ಮೇರು ನಟರೊಬ್ಬರ ವಿಚಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂತಹ ಘಟನೆಗಳು ಪದೇ ಪದೇ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಅವರ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವ ಮತ್ತು ಕಲಾಸೇವೆಗೆ ಅಗೌರವ ತಂದಂತಾಗಿದೆ. #VishnuSir …— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) August 9, 2025
Fans echoed his sentiments online, with hashtags such as #JusticeForVishnuvardhan and #SaveVishnuvardhanMemorial trending as supporters demanded immediate action to restore and protect the site.
Years of dispute over the memorial
Dr Vishnuvardhan, one of Kannada cinema's most celebrated stars, passed away on December 30, 2009. His cremation within the Abhiman Studio premises was followed by repeated appeals from his admirers to build a permanent memorial in his honour. However, the site has been at the centre of a protracted ownership dispute, with fans alleging government inaction despite years of petitions.
Friday's demolition has intensified calls for accountability, as many believe that the move disregards the cultural and emotional significance of the site for Kannada cinema lovers.
Voices from the film industry and public
Before Rishab Shetty's statement, filmmaker Ravi Srivathsa also posted a video from the location, describing it as sacred and condemning the destruction. Several protesters who had gathered to oppose the demolition were detained by Kengeri police in an attempt to prevent further escalation.
Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce president Narsimhalu later confirmed that the demolition was carried out in accordance with a court order. He stressed the importance of adhering to judicial directions while assuring that discussions will soon take place with both the fans' association and Dr Vishnuvardhan's wife, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan.
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