By Ranjan Bhaduri
Dec 30, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The Kannada Film Industry received a jolt when the news of the death of one of its superstar Vishnuvardhan spread. He died on Dec. 30, 2009 after suffering a cardiac attack in Mysore’s Vikram Hospital. He was around 60. The news of his death cast a gloom on the fans and they are mourning the loss. To pay tribute to the actor, Bangalore will remain closed today. The colleges and schools have suspended their classes as well. His dead body will be taken to his house so that the fans and family members can pay their last tribute.

When the actor died, his spouse Bharathi and Anirudh, his son-in-law were by his side. For the previous few years, the actor was suffering from several health problems. Yesterday he was taken to Vikram Hospital after feeling pain in his chest. However, the hospital released him in the evening after treatment. At around 2.30 a.m. he felt chest pain again. This time the doctors could not keep him alive. The chief minister of the state, BS Yadiyurappa and HD Kumarswamy [former Karnataka CM], expressed deep condolence for his death. Other actors of Kannada and South Film industry have also expressed their grief and shock over his untimely demise.

In the Karnataka film industry, Vishnuvardhan became famous for his versatility and talent. He acted in close to 200 movies in his career. His real name was Sampath Kumar and he adopted the name Vishnuvardhan for his film career. He was almost as popular as another Kannada superstar, Dr. Rajakumar. He left behind his wife and two adopted daughters. Both his son- in-laws as well as his spouse are well known actors.