The demolition of a structure at the late Kannada superstar Dr. Vishnuvardhan's memorial in Bengaluru's Abhiman Studios has sparked outrage from fans and members of the film industry. Actor Rishab Shetty has joined the chorus of voices condemning the action, expressing his deep pain and disappointment.
Taking to social media, Rishab Shetty described the demolition as "condemnable" and stated that it had "caused great pain to every fan who adores him wholeheartedly". He further emphasized that such incidents, repeatedly targeting one of the country's leading actors, constitute a "disrespect to his personality and artistic service".
Dr. Vishnuvardhan, who passed away on December 30, 2009, was cremated within the Abhiman Studio premises. The memorial included an 8-foot statue of Vishnuvardhan, which has long been a site of homage for his fans. The overnight demolition, reportedly carried out with court approval and under police protection, has left fans heartbroken and triggered anger across Karnataka.
Other prominent figures in the Kannada film industry have also voiced their disapproval. Actor Kichcha Sudeep described the act as heartbreaking, likening it to "the destruction of a temple of a god we have revered for years". Dhruva Sarja echoed similar sentiments, stating that while Vishnuvardhan's legacy doesn't need a memorial to live on, the manner of demolition was deeply hurtful.
The land where the memorial was located is at the center of a dispute between the current owners and fans. Reportedly, the land was once owned by actor Balakrishna. Fans have been campaigning for a permanent memorial to honor Dr. Vishnuvardhan and have urged the government to intervene to resolve the ownership issue. The lack of resolution and the subsequent demolition have fueled the anger and disappointment among fans.
The incident has brought to the forefront the deep reverence and love that fans hold for Dr. Vishnuvardhan. His contribution to Kannada cinema is immense, and his legacy continues to inspire generations. The demolition of his memorial is seen as a sign of disrespect not only to the actor but also to his fans and the cultural heritage he represents.
The outrage expressed by Rishab Shetty, Kichcha Sudeep, Dhruva Sarja, and countless fans underscores the need for a respectful and lasting tribute to Dr. Vishnuvardhan. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the widespread discontent and whether a resolution can be found to honor the legacy of the Kannada superstar.
