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.
This is a shameless government that couldn’t even allot 10 guntas of land to the legendary artiste Dr Vishnuvardhan. Having lost faith in the government, we approached the court. But the court very clearly stated that fans have no rights in this matter. Only the family or the government can decide. We fought numerous battles.” He further alleged, “Those who claim to be the heirs of Balakrishna are planning to build a mall.”
Vishnuvardhan’s family has not reacted to the demolition.
Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce president Narsimhalu said, “The property dispute was pending before the court. The court has passed an order, and we have to respect it. I rushed to the spot to prevent any untoward incident.” He added that a meeting will be held with Veerakaputra Srinivas and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. Meanwhile, Kengeri police took many fans into preventive custody.
Late actor Balakrishna’s daughter Geeta Bali said, “I learnt about it through the media and was shocked. My elder brother Ganesh was murdered last year. The person behind his murder is also involved in the demolition. Politicians too are also involved.”