Another pillar of Kannada cinema Dr Vishnuvrdhan died of severe heart attack at the age of 60 years in Mysore on Wednesday early morning. He died on his way to Vikram Hospital in Mysore from Metro Polo Hotel. On Wednesday (30th December 2009) early morning around 2.30 am Dr Vishnuvardhan complained of chest pain. Dr.Vishnuvardhan is next to Dr.Rajakumar in popularity in Karnataka. He has acted in 200 films in Kannada and richly popular for his friendly nature and good deeds. After the death of Dr Rajakumar on April 12 2006 the passing away of Dr.Vishnuvardhan after three years eight and half months is a huge loss to Kannada cinema industry.

Dr Vishnuvardhan took the treatment on Tuesday evening at 5 pm and moved to the hotel where he was staying in Mysore. Sadly he developed severe problem early on Wednesday morning. He leaves behind actress wife Smt. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, Keerthi and Chandana adopted daughters and son in law actor Anirudh.

Dr Vishnuvardhan was brought from Mysore to Bangalore around 8 am on Wednesday morning. The body will be kept in his 4th T Block Jayanagar residence till 10.30 am. Then for public darshan the body of Dr Vishnuvardhan will be kept at Cosmopolitan Club grounds in Jayanagar from 10.30 to 4 pm. The Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa has ordered for state honors to the agile actor. The cremation of Dr Vishnuvardhan will take place today evening.

Born to HL Narayana Rao and Kamakshamma in 1950 at Chamundipuram Mysore his original name was Sampath Kumar. He was rechristened as Vishnuvardhan by doyen of Kannada cinema SR Puttanna Kanagal from ‘Nagarahavu’ Kannada cinema in 1972. He was crowned many awards and accolades in his career spanning 37 years. He entered the film industry at the age of 22 after completing schooling in Mysore and graduation from National College, Basavanagudi in Bangalore. Dr Vishnuvardhan married actress Bharathi on 27th February 1975.

Starting from a small role in ‘Vamshavruksha’ Dr Vishnu rose to top notch from ‘Nagarahavu’ Dr Vishnuvardhan reached the pinnacle in action, sentiment, comedy and devotion filled roles. He was the ‘Aptharakshaka’ of Kannada cinema. ‘Aptharakshaka’ is his sequel to ‘Aptha Mithra’ directed by P Vasu was all set for release. Another film set for release was ‘School Master’ in the direction of Dinesh Baboo.

‘Aptha Rakshaka’ was a bad omen to some of the actors Dr Vishnuvardhan was explaining in Mysore two months ago on the sets. Before the release of ‘Aptha Mithra’ actress Soundarya died in plane crash. Now before the release of ‘Aptha Rakshaka’ the sequel Dr Vishnuvardhan departs.

The top ranking films of Dr Vishnuvardhana are – Gandhadha Gudi, Sahasa Simha, Devara Gudi, Kalla Kulla, Simha Jodi, Nagara Hole, Bandhana, Muthina Haara, Malaya Marutha, Lion Jagapathi Rao, Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege, Laali, Veerappa Nayaka, Simhadriya Simha, Jamindaru, Nishkarsha Aptha Mithra, Kiladi Kittu and others. He was the winner of state award for seven times and got Film Fare for five times.

Dr Vishnuvardhan from ‘Nagarahavu’ to ‘Ballari Naga’ has acted in 200 films. He was suffering from severe sugar complaint. The health deteriorated after his ‘Padayatra’ to flood relief he had taken up recently. His last meeting with the media friends was in his residence after the release of ‘Ballari Naga’.

Dr Vishnuvardhan besides winning many awards was recently crowned the Dr.Rajakumar award for his contribution in the 2007-2008 Karnataka state film.