MYSORE: Vishnuvardhan was born in Mysore on September 18, 1950 to H L Narayana Rao and Kamakshamma.
He did his primary schooling at Gopalaswamy Shishuvihara, located near Nanjumalige Circle.
They stayed at a house opposite to Jodi Aralikatte Mahaganapati Temple on Narayana Shastri Road. Narayana Rao, his father, was an artiste. Vishnuvardhan was born with four sisters and a brother. Vishnuvardhan joined Gopalaswamy Shishuvihara 1959 and pursued his education there till 1963. His original name was N Sampath Kumar. He changed his name after entering the film industry.
Lakshmamma, the present head mistress of the school, said that Vishnuvardhan had a lot of attachment towards the school and his teachers.
She said that the actor had provided the school with a borewell, after learning about water problems in the school. Vishnuvardhan came to the school during his visits to Mysore and enquired about the problems in the school.
One of Vishnuvardhan’s teachers Padmavatamma (84), remembered his school days and said that he was an obidient and a good student. She also remembered Vishnuvardhan’s role as ‘Alexander’ in a play for which the school received a lot of appreciation and awards. “This was the first time that Vishnuvardhan acted in a play. He received a lot of appreciation from the school as well as others,” she said.
Padmavatamma said that even though Vishnuvardhan had changed his name after entering the film industry, he would always remain as her beloved student Sampath.
She also showed the memento presented to her by Vishnuvardhan during a felicitation ceremony at the school premises during May 2008.
Padmavatamma added that Vishnuvardhan had left to the heavenly adobe when society still need his noble services.
Later, Vishnuvardhan’s family shifted to Bangalore, where he continued his education.
Vishnuvardhan has done playback singing for a few films he acted in, popular among them being ‘Kannadave Nam Amma’ in the movie ‘Mojugara Sogasugara’.
Vishnuvardhan shot most of his movies in Mysore.
THE GO-BETWEEN ON-SCREEN AND OFF-SCREEN
Vishnuvardhan has played the role of a mediator both in reel as well as real life. It may be recalled that Dinesh Babu had a tough time with producer K Manju who is known as a tough guy in Sandalwood.
While Babu was the director for ‘Bellary Naga’, Manju was the producer.
Both of them were not in talking terms and it affected the shooting of the film. Both of them were on collision course, but Vishnuvardhan helped them to patch up. It was believed that Vishnuvardhan was the only person who could tame and discipline a person like Manju.
“I learnt a lot of good habits from Vishnuvardhan Sir. Even my wife used to complain against me to him, whenever I committed mistakes,” Manju said.
Vishnuvardhan’s speciality was that he never hesitated to call a spade a spade. “He admonished me for being rude with the director, even though I am his fan and follower,” recalled Manju.
FLASHBACK
Born Sampath Kumar, at Chamundipuram in Mysore on September 18, 1950, Vishnuvardhan had completed his graduation from the very college where his mortal remains have been kept for public display.
Vishnuvardhan was fascinated by celluloid since his childhood. He began his career with the film ‘Vamsahavruksha,’ directed by Girish Karnad in 1972. He acted as the hero in the film ‘Naagara Haavu’, directed by Puttanna Kanagal in 1973. He donned the role of Rajkumar’s wayward brother in the film ‘Gandhada Gudi’.
During his 35-year career as a cine artiste, Vishnuvardhan played a variety of roles in over 200 films. He won the state award for the best actor for his performance in Nagarahaavu (1972), Hombisilu (1978), Bandhana (1984), Suprabhata (1988), Lion Jagapati Rao (1991), Laali (1998) and Veerappa Nayaka (1999).
ADVOCATED WOMEN’S CAUSE
Vishnu never played a role that ridiculed or passed nasty comments on women. He always selected role like ideal husband and affectionate lover, who is ever ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of his sweet-heart. His performance in films such as ‘Haalunda Tavaru’, ‘Bandhana’, ‘Muthina Haara’ and ‘Ee Bandhana’ made him the favourite hero for women audience across Karnataka.
He was very angry when director Phani Ramachandra named his teleserial ‘Dharidra Lakshmiyaru,’ a few years ago. He contacted Ramachandra, asking him to change the title of the serial or shelve it. He was guide for many heroines like Jayaprada, Suhasini and Shruti.