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With the unexpected death of Kannada superstar Dr Vishnuvardhan this morning, reactions and tributes have been pouring in from the Kannada film industry.
Here are some voices:
B S Yediyurappa, Chief Minister of Karnataka
With the death of Dr Vishnuvardhan, Karnataka has lost one of its greatest sons.
He was an actor of excellence and a great human being. The state government has decided to grant Rs 10 crores to build a memorial for him. We will consult his family to see how this mission can be accomplished.
S V Rajendra Singh Babu, award-winning director
I have lost a friend with whom I had had a great association for more than four decades. He was one of the most talented actors in the country, who was not recognised for his brilliance and talent adequately by the central government.
I have directed several great films with him like Bandhana, Muththina Haara and Nagarahole and produced films like Krishna Nee Begane Baaro and Karna. They were superhits.
We have lost two legends now, Dr Raj Kumar and Dr Vishnuvardhan. I think an era has ended.
Rebel Star Ambareesh, actor and former member of Parliament
With the death of Vishnu, I have lost one of my greatest friends. He was my guiding force for 35 years.
We shared many great moments and he has always cared for me.
If there was one person who could command over me, it would be Vishnuvardhan.
He was one of the greatest artists in the Kannada film industry.
Dwarakish, actor and producer
I would say my films were zero without Dr Vishnuvardhan. Success beckoned only when Dr Vishnuvardhan acted in them.
I have produced many of his films and even acted with him. He is perhaps one of the greatest actors on the Indian screen, who had lakhs of fans.
The overwhelming reaction of his fans on his death was expected, as he had touched their hearts deeply through his magical performances.
Prema, actress
I was his great fan as a child. When I became an actress, I was lucky enough to act with him early in my career. I have acted with him in many films, including the big hit Yajamaana.
We got close while acting in the film, and he taught me the importance of yoga. I would seek advice from him many times too.
I respect him as a great human being.
S Narayan, actor and director
I have lost my big strength and support with the death of Dr Vishnu sir. I delivered my biggest hits with him in Suryavamsha, Simhadhriya Simha, Sirivantha and Veerappa Nayaka. He was terrific in front of the camera and would add a lot of strength to the characters he played.
Raghavendra, assistant director
He showed us what love and affection meant to us. Through his superb performances on screen, he will be eternally remembered. He was not only a great actor but also a great human being.