He turned to philosophy

Bannanje had a deep influence on Vishnu. In fact, the superstar changed his outlook on life over the last one decade. He began wearing rudrakshi, gown and a bandana. Sometimes, even while interacting with media, he tried to give a philosophical touch to his statements. 

How did these changes came over? Bharati Vishnuvarshan used to attend Bannanje’s lectures in Bangalore. Vishnu too started listening to the lectures and was influenced. Later he met Bannanje often in Udupi.

“Vishnu always addressed me as Guru. He wanted to find solace in philosophy. He never talked to me about the film industry. Once he expressed his wish to give up acting and settle down in Udupi to dedicate the rest of his life for Adhyatma”,

Bannanje recalled. In the recent years he preferred to listen to Bannanje’s cassettes while travelling and also insisted that his co-passengers listen to the lectures. Vishnu had also given up luxury. During his visit to Dubai, he refused to accept a diamond ring as a gift from fans, saying his Guru had asked him to avoid wearing gold or diamond, Bannanje said.