The late-night removal of Dr Vishnuvardhan’s memorial from Abhiman Studio has sent a wave of disbelief through the Kannada film community and the late actor’s massive fan base. The site, constructed at the very spot where the beloved star was laid to rest in December 2009, has been a pilgrimage point for millions of admirers for more than a decade.
For Vishnuvardhan’s fans, the demolition represents more than the loss of a monument; it’s the erasure of a space that held a personal and cultural significance.
Actor Aniruddha Jatkar, Vishnuvardhan’s son-in-law, has now addressed the controversy, calling the act “deeply painful” and “impossible to put into words.” Speaking to the media, Aniruddha said, “This should never have happened. Everyone in Karnataka knows how sacred that place is. For fans, it’s not just a location — it’s a place of love, respect, and emotional connection.”
The memorial has historically drawn year-round footfall, with peak crowds on September 18 — Vishnuvardhan’s birthday — and December 30, the anniversary of his passing, when large-scale tributes are held. Aniruddha revealed that he had made repeated requests to preserve the site for fans, noting that Abhiman Studio has also served as a center for community service initiatives. “I had asked that they be allowed to keep visiting and offering prayers. This… is truly upsetting,” he said.
The controversy deepened when speculation arose that the removal had taken place with his consent — a claim Aniruddha Jatkar strongly denied. “That’s the issue. People don’t know about the fight we’ve been putting up, and the truth never reaches them. Whenever a new controversy erupts, we are blamed, painted as villains so others can look like heroes. The reality is, we had no idea the memorial was being taken down.”