From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 30: The foundation stone for the long-delayed memorial for the Kannada film actor Vishnuvardhan was laid by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Mylasandra village in Kengeri, outskirts of Bengaluru on Tuesday.

The Memorial would come up on two acres and it would be constructed at a cost of Rs 11 crore. The entire construction work would be completed in 18 months.

The Memorial complex would contain a 350 seat auditorium, a museum and a library. It would come up near the Abhiman Studio where the actor was cremated.

Dr Vishnuvardhan had carved a niche for himself in the film industry donning various roles in over 200 films, died on December 30, 2009.

The Chief Minister said the construction of the Memorial was delayed owing to several reasons.

“Now, there is no hurdle for the Memorial in the future,’’ he said.
The fans of the late actor have been waiting for the construction of the Memorial for the last five years.

"Dr Vishuvardhan was a great actor after Dr Rajkumar," Siddaramaiah said. Dr Rajkumar’s Memorial was inaugurated last month.

The Dr Vishunavardhan Memorial would become into a tourist place. "It will become a training centre for upcoming artistes," Siddaramaiah said.

Earlier, the late actor’s wife Bharathi Vishnuvardhan paid floral tribute Vishnuvardhan’s samadi. Housing Minister M H Ambareesh, who became emotional, recalled his association the late actor.

Congress MLA S T Someshekar presided. Ministers Umashree and Ramalinga Reddy were present.