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News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rishab Shetty Condemns Demolition Of Dr Vishnuvardhan's Memorial: 'Caused Great Pain'
Last Updated: 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. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Vishnuvardhan ‘memorial' razed overnight; fans stage protest in Karnataka's Kengeri
BENGALURU: Hundreds of fans of the late Kannada superstar Dr Vishnuvardhan gathered outside Abhiman Studio near Kengeri on Friday, after a structure at the place where he was cremated was demolished overnight. The agitated fans staged a protest outside the studio and expressed their anger against the state government and the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce for neglecting the place. Vishnuvardhan's last rites were performed on the premises of Abhiman Studio when he passed away on December 30, 2009. Fans had long been demanding a permanent memorial for the actor and had urged the authorities to resolve the property dispute. The studio belonged to the family of veteran Kannada actor Balakrishna. Late actor's family yet to react However, with the court's permission, the current owner of the property razed the structure under police security on Thursday night. Film director Ravi Srivathsa recorded a video of the demolished structure, and said, 'This is my god's (Vishnuvardhan) place, and it has been destroyed. The man who gave jobs and shelter to many has been treated this way.' Vishnuvardhan Fans Association president Veerakaputra Srinivasa posted on X, 'In the end, they have demolished Dr Vishnuvardhan's resting place! It feels like our 11-year-long struggle has gone down the drain.


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Fans angered by sudden demolition of Kannada icon Dr Vishnuvardhan's resting place in Bengaluru: Report
Bengaluru witnessed high emotions on Friday as scores of admirers of Kannada cinema icon Dr Vishnuvardhan assembled outside Abhiman Studio in Kengeri, furious over the sudden demolition of a structure at the spot where the actor was laid to rest in 2009. The incident reignited property disputes, with the Vishnuvardhan Fans Association calling it a betrayal of their ongoing struggle for a permanent memorial in Bengaluru. (HT/Representational image) The overnight action, carried out under police protection and reportedly with the court's approval, has reignited long-standing tensions over the site. The land, once owned by veteran actor Balakrishna's family, has been at the centre of a prolonged property dispute, The New Indian Express reported. Dr Vishnuvardhan, who passed away on December 30, 2009, was cremated within the studio premises. Fans have since campaigned for a permanent memorial to honour him, urging the government to intervene. Repeated pleas to resolve the ownership issue went unanswered, further fueling Friday's anger, the report said. ALSO READ | Traffic curbs, parking bans around Bengaluru's Lalbagh for Independence Day Flower Show The Vishnuvardhan Fans Association accused both the state government and the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce of neglect, calling the demolition a betrayal of their 11-year struggle. Association president Veerakaputra Srinivasa voiced his disappointment on social media, lamenting that legal rulings had left fans powerless, as only the family or the government could take decisions regarding the site, as per the report. He also alleged that those claiming rights to Balakrishna's estate were planning to construct a shopping mall on the land. ALSO READ | Traffic curbs announced ahead of PM Modi's visit to Bengaluru for Namma Metro Yellow Line launch: Report Filmmaker Ravi Srivathsa shared a video from the site, calling the spot sacred and condemning its destruction. Several protestors were detained by Kengeri police to prevent escalation. The late actor's wife, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, and family members have not yet commented. Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce president Narsimhalu said that the demolition followed a court order and emphasised the need to respect the judgment, adding that discussions will soon be held with both the fans' association and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, the report added.


Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
"#IStandWithKamalHaasan" trends as fans back actor amid 'Thug Life' Karnataka release row
Legendary Tamil actor has made the difficult choice not to release his highly anticipated pan-Indian gangster drama, 'Thug Life', in Karnataka on June 5. This decision follows a controversy over a statement he made regarding the origins of the Kannada language, which has led to protests and demands for an apology. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a letter to the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), Kamal Haasan explained his stance, stating that apologies are reserved for mistakes, not misunderstandings, and therefore he would not retract his comments. The decision to forego the Karnataka release is expected to cost 'Thug Life' and its makers, including Kamal Haasan and director , an estimated Rs 12 to 15 crore as per a OneIndia report. Despite this financial setback, Kamal Haasan has found considerable support from fans and movie enthusiasts, with the hashtag "#IStandWithKamalHaasan" trending widely on social media. Supporters argue that Kamal Haasan's statement was rooted in linguistic history and not intended as an insult to Kannada. Many shared that Tamil is considered one of the oldest living languages in the world and that languages like Kannada have historical and linguistic ties to Tamil. Some users shared excerpts from Tamil textbooks that support this view, that Kamal Haasan's comments were based on factual information. One X user wrote, "What @ikamalhaasan said is 100% RIGHT. Tamil is the oldest living language in the world. Languages like Kannada & others have roots linked to Tamil — that's linguistic history, not offense. Truth doesn't need an apology. History doesn't need permission." Another user's tweet reads, "Respecting Kannada sentiments is important, but Tamil's historical influence on Kannada is a fact, not an insult. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kamal Haasan's intent was misunderstood; his refusal to apologize is principled, not arrogant. Let's foster dialogue, not division. #ThugLife #IstandWithKamalHaasan." While acknowledging the importance of respecting Kannada sentiments, many fans and movie lovers have rallied behind Kamal Haasan, praising his integrity and commitment to his beliefs. Despite the absence of a Karnataka release, 'Thug Life' is still expected to have a strong opening this weekend. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam also stars Silambarasan TR, , Abhirami, Sanya Malhotra, and others.


Hans India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
DK Shivakumar Urges Calm After Kamal Haasan's Kannada Remark Sparks Controversy
The comments made by actor Kamal Haasan about the Kannada language have sparked controversy in Karnataka. However, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that he did not want to speak on the issue. He said he was unaware of its historical background so he cannot comment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly relations between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and said that there was no need to politicize the matter. He added that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are neighbors, not enemies, and that people from both states should live peacefully. He mentioned that water from Karnataka flows to Tamil Nadu, and people from Tamil Nadu come to Karnataka, underscoring the mutual connection between the states. Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized Kamal Haasan, expressing disappointment that the actor lacked knowledge about the rich and long history of the Kannada language. The controversy began during a promotional event for Kamal Haasan's latest film Thug Life in Bengaluru, where he reportedly said that Kannada evolved from the Tamil language. This remark angered many, leading several Kannada groups to protest and demand an apology. They claimed that the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people were hurt and threatened to ban the film if an apology was not issued. Kamal Haasan, in response, stood by his statement and said he would have apologized if he believed he was wrong. He also addressed the threats to ban the film by stating his belief in law and justice, and reaffirmed that India is a democratic country. As tensions escalated, the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka on Friday.