Shivarajkumar attending the grand 75th birth anniversary celebrations of late icon Dr Vishnuvardhan, Shivarajkumar shared about their enduring personal bond, dismissing longstanding outside chatter.

The legacy of Dr Vishnuvardhan was commemorated on a grand scale in Bengaluru on Sunday at the Dr Vishnuvardhan Amrutha Mahotsava, organised by the Vishnu Sena Samithi to mark the late icon’s 75th birth anniversary year. Bringing together industry stalwarts, directors, technicians, and thousands of fans across Karnataka, the evening turned particularly poignant when Shivarajkumar took the stage.

Addressing the packed gathering, Shivarajkumar cut through decades of speculative narratives often stoked around the Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan households, emphasising that genuine relationships do not require outside validation.

"The love and respect we have for Vishnuvardhan is known to us, and it is known to all of you fans. It doesn’t need to be demonstrated or proven to anyone else," an emotional Shivarajkumar said to loud applause. "I am here today for Vishnuvardhan, and I will continue to come in the future as well. Whenever you call, I will be here."

Taking a walk down memory lane, the actor recalled his earliest associations with the legendary star. "When I was a boy, I held Vishnu uncle's hand and attended the 100-day celebration of Bhootayyana Maga Ayyo (1974). That bond started right then and remained unchanged till the very end. Appaji (Dr Rajkumar) had immense affection for Vishnu sir. Their equation was entirely unique, no matter what outsiders chose to talk about."

He further added, "I never believe Vishnu uncle is no longer with us. In some corner, in spirit, he is always right here beside us."

The Amrutha Mahotsava saw an assembly of prominent personalities under one banner to celebrate Vishnuvardhan’s indelible four-decade contribution to Indian cinema.