The 75th birth anniversary year of Kannada cinema’s legendary Dr Vishnuvardhan was commemorated on Sunday at the Nandi Link Grounds in Hosakerehalli, Bengaluru. Conceptualised by the Dr Vishnu Sena Samithi under the leadership of Veerakaputra Srinivas and in support of producer Rockline Venkatesh, and SV Rajendra Singh Babu.
The day-long Vishnuvardhan Amrutha Mahotsava brought together prominent figures from Kannada and South Indian cinema alongside thousands of fans.
However, amidst the celebrations, the absence of Dr Vishnuvardhan’s family members, including veteran actor Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and actor-son-in-law Aniruddha Jatkar, did not go unnoticed. Reportedly, the family stayed away following differences with the organizing committee over the event’s handling, a reminder of unresolved rifts that have lingered within the late actor’s circles.
Even so, the gathering saw strong representation from fraternity members, who turned up to pay homage to Vishnuvardhan’s four-decade career spanning more than 200 films.
Shivarajkumar was among the stalwarts, who graced the occasion to pay his respects to the late icon. V Ravichandran also took the stage, sharing personal recollections of working with the senior actor and reflecting on his enduring impact on Kannada industry.
Contemporaries and younger stars in attendance included Dhananjaya, Sathish Ninasam, Ganesh, Vijay Kumar, Srinagar Kitty, Srimurali, and Nenapirali Prem, all of whom acknowledged Vishnuvardhan’s towering influence on modern Kannada cinema.
A significant contingent of veteran artists who shared screen space with Vishnuvardhan across decades took part in the ceremonies. Senior actor Bhavya, who headlined numerous hits alongside him, spoke warmly about his professionalism and discipline on set. Other prominent seniors and colleagues on stage included KFCC President, Jayamala, filmmaker TS Nagabharana, Srinivasa Murthy, Sundar Raj, Avinash, Malavika Avinash, Shruti, actor-politician Umashree, Jaggesh, Ramesh Aravind, Rangayana Raghu, Mandya Ramesh, Mukhyamantri Chandru, Ramesh Bhat.
The commemoration also drew leading female actors from South Indian cinema who worked with Vishnuvardhan in landmark projects, including Suhasini Maniratnam, Ambika, Roja, and Sumalatha Ambareesh.
The celebrations began at dawn with a flag procession and an inaugural lamp-lighting ceremony by veteran artists, followed by musical segments led by lyricist K Kalyan and singer Rajesh Krishnan, alongside industry figures Lahari Velu and Balaji. The day concluded with cultural tributes and laser presentations, turning the grounds into a massive celebration of Sandalwood’s beloved ‘Dada’.