The overnight demolition of a structure at late Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan’s memorial in Bengaluru’s Abhiman Studios has triggered a wave of grief and anger among fans and film industry members.The incident was carried out reportedly with court approval and under police protection. Actors Rishab Shetty, Kichcha Sudeep, and Dhruva Sarja, have expressed deep disappointment over the treatment of the legendary actor’s resting place.
Fans and stars react to sudden razing
Rishab Shetty took to X, calling the demolition “condemnable” and “an insult to his personality and service to the arts.”Kichcha Sudeep described the act as heartbreaking, likening it to “the destruction of a temple of a god we have revered for years. Kichcha Sudeep wrote, “I am speaking as a fan of Vishnuvardhan, not as “Kiccha.” I am deeply hurt. Vishnuvardhan had a spiritual inclination. He always used to say — “I want to become a metaphor. I should not end up inside some building or be tied to immovable properties. I must remain in the five elements. We belong to nature.” In one sense, it feels like another one of his wishes has come true. But ordinary fans and the public will not understand this. Just like you need a post box to post a letter, we too need a temple or a memorial to pay our respects and prayers.”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.
Dispute over memorial site
The land, once owned by actor Balakrishna, is now at the center of a dispute between the current owners and fans. The memorial included an 8-foot statue of Vishnuvardhan, which has long been a site of homage.As reported by the Hindustan Times, the owner acted after a court order, but the decision has drawn sharp criticism. Balakrishna’s daughter, Geeta Bali, alleged political involvement and linked the demolition to her brother’s unsolved murder last year. Director Ravi Srivathsa, who filmed the aftermath, called it a desecration of a sacred space for fans.
Call for preservation and respect
Sudeep revealed that several in the industry, including himself, had offered to fund the memorial’s upkeep, but the government allegedly showed no interest. He vowed to approach the court if necessary to save at least a small portion of the site. Meanwhile, a new 2.75-acre memorial in Mysuru, in development since 2020, aims to showcase the actor’s personal belongings, but for many, it does not replace the emotional significance of the original cremation site.Vishnuvardhan, known as “Sahasa Simha,” passed away in December 2009.
