Kannada star Vishnuvardhan cremated, thousands mourn

BANGALORE - Kannada superstar Vishnuvardhan, who died early Wednesday, was given a state funeral here. The last rites were performed by his elder brother Ravi, in the presence of thousands of mourning fans.

The 60-year-old actor died in Mysore, about 140 km from here, following a heart attack.

Vishnuvardhan is survived by his wife Bharathi and two daughters Chandana and Keerthi.

The Karnataka government had decided on a state funeral and Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa announced a grant of Rs.10 crore and two acres of land to build a memorial to the Kannada superstar.

More than 60,000 fans paid their last respects to the departed actor at the National College grounds where his body was brought. Earlier, the body was kept at his Jayanagar residence.

A big procession was taken from the National College grounds to the Abhiman Studios in Uttarahalli where the state government made elaborate arrangements for the funeral. The procession went through Hanumanthanagar, Banashankari, Padmanabhanagar, Channasandra and then to Uttarahalli.

There were incidents of stone pelting, looting of restaurants and malls, as the procession wended its way. Police vans were attacked and barricades were broken.

Vishnuvardhan’s family members, who were part of the procession, had to appeal to the fans to maintain peace and allow them to proceed.