He preferred 'dignity in mourning'

A humanitarian, who reached an industry ruled by market value, remained the uncrowned king of Kannada cinema for many years. Despite his success, he remained humble and had turned philosophical over last few years.

He was a public figure who valued his privacy. When veteran actor Lokesh with whom Vishnuvardhan had shared screen space in super hit films such as ‘Bootayyanna Maga Ayyu’, was admitted to a private hospital in Bangalore in a critical condition, Vishnuvardhan visited him and asked if the press had known about his health complications. The Public Relations executive of the hospital said it was being kept under wraps in order to keep the crowd at bay.

Vishnuvardhan heaved a sigh of relief and said: “It is better that way. There should be dignity in mourning and all of us should allow that time and space for the family. We are all public persons, but are least prepared for such occasions when the world takes over matters pertaining to your kith and kin ruining the dignity of the whole situation.”