Vishnuvardhan memorial bhoomi puja performed in Mysuru

The

bhoomi puja

to begin construction of the Vishnuvardhan memorial - which has been pending for the last 10 years - finally took place at Halalu village on the outskirts of Mysuru, on Tuesday morning. The bhoomi puja was virtually performed by Karnataka chief minister, BS Yediyurappa.

After performing the bhoomi puja, Yediyurappa said, “On the occasion of Dr Vishnuvardhan's 70th birthday, it gives me immense pleasure to perform this bhoomi puja. Dr Vishnuvardhan was one of the finest actors of the Kannada film industry. He remains an

inspiration

for the younger generation with his virtues. I have watched most of his movies from Nagarahavu to

Aptharakshaka

. Apart from being an actor, he had concern even towards society. To start the memorial work, Rs 5 crore has been initially released by the government. I hope Dr Vishnvuardhan will remain inspirational even in the future."

Actress and Dr Vishnuvardhan Bharathi Visnuvardhan thanked everyone for making the Vishnuvardhan memorial, which faced many hurdles, a reality. Due to COVID-19, fans were not allowed to watch the bhoomi puja ceremony. A cake was cut to celebrate the occasion. In April 2019, as the land was caught in a legal tussle, the

Karnataka high court

had given the green signal for the construction of the memorial on nearly six acres of land. Vishnuvardhan, who was also born in Mysuru, breathed his last on December 30, 2009, in Mysuru.