Dr. Vishnuvardhan, remembered as the Sahasa Simha of Kannada cinema, is a legend who continues to live in the hearts of millions. His career spanned decades, with unforgettable performances in more than 200 films. When he passed away in December 2009, fans across Karnataka were heartbroken. His cremation took place at Abhiman Studio in Bengaluru, and ever since, the spot has been treated with deep respect.
Recently, his wife, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, along with their son-in-law Aniruddha, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his official residence near the Kaveri river. Their request was simple but meaningful—they asked for 10 guntas of land inside Abhiman Studio to be permanently set aside for building a memorial at the very site of his cremation.
This meeting has once again sparked public interest in the long-pending issue of the Vishnuvardhan memorial. Let’s look at the background, the challenges, and why this request matters so much to fans.
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Why Abhiman Studio Holds Special Value
Abhiman Studio, located in Kengeri on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is not just a shooting location for films. For fans of Vishnuvardhan, it became a sacred site because it is where their hero’s last rites were performed. People from across Karnataka and even other states visited the spot to pay tribute.
Over the years, fans have often said that a memorial at Abhiman Studio would allow them to connect emotionally with their idol. According to them, this location has far more meaning than any other because it was his final resting place.
The Request for 10 Guntas of Land
During their meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, Bharathi and Aniruddha asked for just 10 guntas of land (a little over 0.25 acres) to be officially allocated within Abhiman Studio. Their appeal was not for a grand structure but for a modest memorial space.
Such a site would allow fans to visit, offer prayers, and remember the actor peacefully. The request is also practical, as it does not involve large-scale land acquisition but only a small portion of the area already associated with the actor.
Past Controversies and Legal Disputes
The memorial issue is not new. In fact, for years, it has been surrounded by disputes.
- Ownership Concerns: The land around Abhiman Studio has faced legal challenges. There were claims that parts of it fall under the Forest Department’s buffer zone, meaning no permanent construction could be allowed.
- Court Cases: Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed in the Karnataka High Court questioning whether the government should allot land for a film star’s memorial. The court observed that such issues cannot always be treated as “public interest” and asked the government to follow legal processes strictly.
- Government Decisions: At one stage, the state decided to shift the memorial to Mysuru, believing it would avoid legal obstacles. However, this move upset many fans who wanted the memorial only at the cremation site in Bengaluru.
Fans’ Emotional Protests
Whenever news broke about shifting the memorial or demolishing structures at Abhiman Studio, fans reacted strongly.
- Groups gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru demanding that the cremation site be preserved.
- Kannada cultural organizations supported the demand, saying that great artists should be remembered where they were laid to rest.
- For fans, moving the memorial elsewhere felt like breaking the emotional bond they shared with Vishnuvardhan.
These protests highlighted how deeply the public feels about this issue.
Mysuru Memorial vs. Abhiman Studio Memorial
The government has already developed a memorial in Mysuru, near Halalu village. This project includes a cultural complex, museum, and statue of Vishnuvardhan. It was created with a budget of around ₹10 crore.
While the Mysuru memorial is impressive and informative, many fans continue to argue that it cannot replace the sanctity of the cremation site at Abhiman Studio. They believe a true memorial must exist where his last rites were performed.
This is why Bharathi’s latest request for 10 guntas is significant. It seeks to bridge the gap between legal restrictions and public emotions.
Why This Request Matters
- Emotional Significance: The cremation site carries spiritual importance. For fans, visiting that place is equal to paying respects at a temple.
- Practical Size: Asking for only 10 guntas shows the family is being realistic. It is not a demand for large land but a symbolic gesture.
- Balancing Sentiment and Law: Allocating a small piece of land might be easier to approve compared to earlier proposals that involved larger development projects.
The Role of CM Siddaramaiah
The Chief Minister listened to Bharathi and Aniruddha’s request. While no final decision has been announced yet, the meeting gives hope to thousands of fans. If the government finds a way to legally allocate this small piece of land, it could resolve a long-pending demand.
ALSO READ : Vishnuvardhan Samadhi Case: The Truth About the Forest Land Dispute
The Bigger Lesson
The Vishnuvardhan memorial issue is more than just about land. It shows how society struggles to balance law, environment, and emotion. On one side, the rules must be respected, especially regarding forest land. On the other, cultural icons like Vishnuvardhan deserve spaces that reflect their contributions and the love they receive from people.
What did Bharathi Vishnuvardhan request from CM Siddaramaiah?
She asked for 10 guntas of land at Abhiman Studio to create a memorial for her late husband, Dr. Vishnuvardhan.
Why Abhiman Studio?
Because it is where the actor was cremated, making it emotionally sacred for fans.
What makes this new request different?
It asks only for a small 10 guntas area, which might be easier to allocate legally
Conclusion
The request made by Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and Aniruddha is a reminder of the unbroken bond between a star and his fans. By setting aside 10 guntas at Abhiman Studio, the government has a chance to honor both the law and public sentiment.
Dr. Vishnuvardhan’s legacy as a fearless actor and cultural icon will always remain. Whether in Mysuru or Bengaluru, fans will continue to celebrate him. But granting a small memorial at his cremation site would be the most heartfelt tribute possible.
