Mysore, Dec 30 (THAINDIAN NEWS) One of the great icons of the Kannada film industry Vishnuvardhan died, creating a big void in the Kannada film industry. He was having some heart trouble for the past 5 years and he was also admitted to a Mysore hospital for treatment of the same. After coming back home from the hospital, he experienced the same problem again and before he could be rushed to the hospital, he breathed his last.

‘I have grown up watching his films. I have been his ardent fan. It’s an end of an era,’ said cricketer Anil Kumble, summing up the emotions of his fans who considered him a role model. ‘Vishnuvardhan was deeply spiritual in the true traditions of Indian culture and it was a sea of humanity that witnessed his last journey. Notwithstanding his huge popularity, Vishnu remained an icon for of his fans,’ said minister Suresh Kumar.

After his sad demise, the Karnataka government has ordered a state funeral for the legendary superstar. Elaborate police arrangements have been made for the funeral procession, which will be taken from the actor’s residence to the Jayanagar Cosmopolitan Club grounds. Fans and stars rushed to the National College grounds, where his body is kept, to pay their last respects. Many of them fainted at the site of the dead actor. Even the Karnataka Chief Minister visited the site and paid his last respects. He also consoled the family members of the actor.