Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Aug 19: Following the demolition of veteran actor Dr Vishnuvardhan’s samadhi at Abhiman Studio, which left fans deeply distressed, actor Kichcha Sudeep, a long-time admirer of the late legend, has taken a significant step toward honouring his legacy. Sudeep has reportedly purchased half an acre of land near Kengeri, Bengaluru, with the intent to construct a dedicated memorial and viewing centre in Vishnuvardhan’s name.
The announcement was made by Veerakaputra Srinivas, a close associate of the Vishnuvardhan fan community, during a press conference. He said, “We no longer have access to the sacred grounds of Abhiman Studio. With September 18 approaching, we don’t even know where to go to pay our respects. That’s why we’ve decided to bring a meaningful end to this issue and are working towards it.”
Srinivas further stated that the land at Abhiman Studio — where Vishnuvardhan was originally cremated — should undergo a judicial inquiry, as fans demand that the area be preserved as a cultural site for the public and not be altered from its original purpose.
The demolition of the samadhi had triggered widespread outrage among fans and members of the Kannada film industry. Since Vishnuvardhan’s passing in 2009, the site at Abhiman Studio had served as an informal pilgrimage destination for his admirers. However, due to reported disputes over the ownership and use of the studio premises, the memorial was suddenly razed earlier this year. The lack of public access since then has intensified calls for justice and proper commemoration.
Sudeep’s contribution, Srinivas added, is a major step in addressing this void. “A memorial and viewing centre will come up there. Construction will begin shortly. We plan to lay the foundation stone on September 18, coinciding with Vishnuvardhan's 75th birth anniversary and unveil the memorial’s model on September 2, which is Sudeep’s birthday,” he said.
Clarifying the nature of the upcoming site, Srinivas noted: “I’m not saying this new memorial will replace the sacredness of the original samadhi. Nor will it match the grandeur of the official government-built memorial in Mysuru. That has its own honour. But this new centre is being created from the emotional investment of countless fans. On September 2, I will share more about what the centre will feature.”
The move is being hailed by fans as a positive and heartfelt initiative to ensure that the memory of one of Kannada cinema’s most beloved icons continues to have a lasting physical presence.