Vishnuvardhan Memorial Demolished: Sahasa Simha's Samadhi Razed, Fans Outraged Across Karnataka

In a shocking turn of events, the memorial of late Kannada actor Dr Vishnuvardhan at Abhiman Studio in Kengeri was allegedly razed overnight under police protection, following a Karnataka High Court directive.

The memorial, which included an 8-foot statue had been at the center of a legal dispute for years. The issue stems from an ownership conflict between the Balanna family (owners of Abhiman Studio) and Vishnuvardhan's fans.

Despite long-standing demands from fans to preserve the site, the demolition has triggered widespread anger across Karnataka. Fans expressed deep sorrow and frustration with the government, police, and Film Chamber, calling it a disrespect to the late icon's legacy.

Dr Vishnuvardhan, fondly known as "Sahasa Simha," appeared in over 200 Kannada films during his illustrious 35-year career, earning numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase. Following his passing on December 30, 2009, the actor was cremated at Abhiman Studio in Bengaluru. The Kengeri site where his last rites were performed held deep emotional significance for his admirers. However, due to a land dispute, a grand memorial was later constructed near Mysuru, which was inaugurated in January 2023.

New Vishnuvardhan Memorial in Mysuru

While the Kengeri memorial no longer stands, a new official memorial in Mysuru, spread across 2.75 acres, has already been developed. The museum showcases over 600 rare photos, personal belongings, film memorabilia, a special life-sized statue, and features an auditorium and classrooms to honor his legacy.

The foundation for the Mysuru memorial was laid by former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa on September 15, 2020, aiming to educate and inspire future generations.

Social media is flooded with emotional posts and videos, as fans demand answers and call for accountability. Hashtags like #JusticeForVishnuvardhan and #SaveVishnuvardhanMemorial are now trending online.