Kannada Cinema Stalwart Vishnuvardhan Dead
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Dec 30: The year 2009 has been a chain of political upheavals for the people of the state. The state also had the nightmarish experience of floods in North Karnataka, taking away lives of hundreds of people, and making thousands homeless, destroying their crops, cattle and belongings. At a time when Kannadigas were hoping that they would be able to bid adieu to the year 2009 on a happier note, they have been delivered a double blow, in the form of the demise of singer, C Ashwath, and the shocking death of the heart throb of millions, Sandalwood hero of three decades, ‘Sahasa Simha’ Vishnuvardhan. Vishnuvardhan had succeeded largely in filling the void created by the exit of ‘Nata Sarvabhauma’, Rajkumar.
In an unexpected development, ‘Sahasa Simha’ Dr Vishnuvardhan, who had entered Kannada film industry as a hero with Puttanna Kanagal’s ‘Nagara Haavu’, passed away due to cardiac arrest at around 2.30 am on Wednesday December 30, at Vikram Hospital in Mysore. The widely respected actor was 59. The ‘Bellary Naga’ actor is survived by yesteryear Sandalwood heroine wife, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and two adopted children.
Since the last five years, Dr Vishnuvardhan had been grappling with health complications. He had recently been to Mysore for rest and recuperation. After he complained of severe chest pain, he was rushed to Vikram Hospital in Mysore on Tuesday. After getting treatment at the hospital, he returned home in the evening. The pain surfaced again at around 2.30 am today, and ‘Sahasa Simha’ breathed his last, while being taken to the hospital.
Dr Vikram, who treated ‘Abinava Bhargava’ in Mysore, said, “Dr. Vishnu used to visit our hospital for physiotherapy. Yesterday, he had come for the same. At 2.30 am, we received a call from his family, saying that the star was complaining of chest pain. We immediately sent an emergency ambulance, but he breathed his last, while being rushed to the hospital. He was a simple, generous and humane human being.”
Chief Minister(CM) of Karnataka, BS Yaddyurappa, former CM, H D Kumarswamy, Vishnu’s close friends, Ambareesh, Dwarakish, Ramya, Puneet Rajkumar, Shivaraj Kumar, Sudeep and scores of others have expressed their deep condolences over the untimely demise Dr Vishnuvardhan.
The CM has ordered for the closure of all schools and colleges in the city today. Federation of Film Chamber of Commerce has suspended shooting of all films and exhibition of films within the state for a day on Wednesday. Thousands have gathered to have a last glimpse of their idol, and policemen are finding it hard to control the crowd. Vishnu’s wife, Bharathi, appealed to the fans of Vishnuvardhan to exercise restraint over their emotions. His body will be kept at National College grounds, Basavangudi up to 5.00 pm to enable public to pay last respect.
Funeral of this great artiste is expected to be held today evening at Banashankari Cremetorium.