Namma Vishnu Amara

Sampath Kumar (September 18, 1950 - December 30, 2009), professionally known as Vishnuvardhan, legendary Sandalwood star (resident of Jayanagar 4th 'T' Block), actor and singer, was popularly regarded as one of the most versatile, talented, stylish and popular actors in the Kannada film industry. He also acted in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He donned lead roles in romantic, action, emotional, music, comedy and dramatic films have been widely popular. He adopted the name Vishnuvardhan at the insistence of Puttanna Kanagal, who directed his maiden film Nagarahavu.

Early life
Vishunvardhan was born in Mysore, Karnataka to H.L. Narayana Rao and Kamakshamma. His father was an artist and a film script writer. His family made a living in Mysore's Chamundipuram. In those days, his father was well known for his collection of musical instruments and being a dance teacher. His sister Ramaramachandra, was a Kathak dancer.
He did his primary schooling in Mysore's Gopalswamy School and his middle school in Bangalore's Kannada Madari School. He undertook High School and his degree in the National College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore.

Career
Vishnuvardhan started his career with the national award winning movie Vamshavruksha directed by Girish Karnad but Nagarahaavu directed by Puttanna Kanagal, in which he played lead role for the first time, made him an overnight star. Three and half decades of career and a variety of popular roles in more than 195 films speak high about his caliber as an actor. Whether it was his debut role as a rebellious and hot-headed young man, or a sensitive lover, or the likeable 'Captain' (to Ramesh's Vice-Captain), Vishnuvardhan proved a versatile actor. Many scripts seemed to be written around his on-screen persona, and the diversity of his fan base is a measure of his talent and appeal. Young men admired his physical presence, big heart and dialogue delivery. To more mature, middle class audiences his roles provided dependable, decent and solid entertainment, in a Kannada film industry desperately short of quality and marquee names.
Some of his all-time hits are Naagarahaavu ,Muthina Haara, Hombisilu, Sahasa Simha, Bandhana, Naagara Hole, Nishkarsha, Yajamana, Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu & Apthamitra. While shooting for Muthina Haara movie, Vishnu performed a dangerous parachute dive without a double and missed death by a whisker. He ventured into parallel cinema and acted in movies like Harakeya Kuri (based on Dr. Chandrashekar Kambar's novel with same title). Vishnu started to wear the "Kadha" from 1980. He first wore it in the movie Simhajodi and this remained with him. It was given to him at a Gurudwara in Bidar.
It is believed that the huge fan following for him made Vishnuvardhan not want to deviate from his "star value" and "image". He continued to don the roles of macho hero and the ideal lover husband.

As a singer
He started singing in movies occasionally and, lately, he started singing devotional songs for albums. The first song he sang was in the movie Nagarahole. The first devotional album sung by him was on "Lord Ayappa" and the title of the album was "Jyothiroopa Ayappa", a big hit. His other albums were "Thayi Bhanashankari" on goddess Banashankari. One more album on Ayappa is called Vishwapremi Ayappa. He also sung devotional songs on Dharmastala's Lord Manjunathaswamy, Malemadeshwara and Ranachandi Chamundi.
Some of his famous songs are:
Hegiddharu Neene Chenna - Sahasa Simha
Shashiya Kandu Moda Helithu - Sirithanakke Savaal
Thuthu Anna Thinnoke - Jimmi Gallu
Beda Annoro Unte - Sididedda Sahodara
Kannadave Nammamma - Mojugara Sogusugara.

Death
Vishnuvardhan died on December 30, 2009, due to a massive cardiac arrest, at 2:30 AM at King's Court Hotel in Mysore, Karnataka, India. He is survived by his wife, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, and two adopted daughters, Keerthi and Chandana. Lakhs of fans came to pay their last tribute at the National College Grounds near Basavangudi where his body was placed for public view. Violence was witnessed in some parts of Karnataka.
Police lathicharged fans and mourners in Bangalore where the superstar's state funeral was being held. Vishnuvardhan's body was on display for his fans to pay their last respects at the National College grounds in the city. A grand procession arrangement was made to pay tribute the Sahasasimha, however, protests erupted in large scale as the fans' anguish soon turned to rage and around 40 vehicles were damaged. There were a few incidents of police firing to bring the situation under control.
The entire city was brought to the edge, even as mourners continued to pour in large numbers to pay their last respect to the iconic actor. All the schools and colleges declared a holiday to remain closed on this day.
Last respects were given to Dr.Vishnuvardhan at Abhimaan Studio which is located in Kengeri around 8:00 pm with State Honour. Karnataka state Chief Minister Mr. B.S.Yediyurappa and eminent Ministers and Top Film fraternity were present to witness the rituals that were carried on by Srirangapattana Priests.

Personal life
Vishnuvardhan was married to Kannada actress Bharathi on 27 February 1975 at Kuchalamba Kalyana Mantapa in Bangalore. He had 2 adopted daughters, Keerthi and Chandana.
it was in mid 70s when the Legand along with wife Bharathi & one of his close friend Shivram (actor) were invited to Bidar for attending a program, one of his fans presented him with a bracelet (Kadaga) and stated that it would bring him good luck. Innocent Vishnu never took it off from his wrist till his last breathe.

Awards
2005 Honorary Doctorate awarded by Bangalore University
7 south Indian Filmfare awards for best performances.
7 state awards in the best actor category.
Filmfare lifetime achievement award in 2004.
Dr. Rajkumar Award 2009 (State Award)
Suprabatha created a record in 1988 by bagging 8 different awards and was the first Kannada movie to do so.
State Award for Best Actor:
Naagarahaavu - 1972
Hombisilu - 1978
Bandhana - 1984
Suprabatha - 1988
Lion Jagapathi Rao - 1991
Laali - 1998
VerappaNayaka - 1999
Awards for Suprabatha
Aragini Reader's award
FilmFare Awards
Cine Express
Tarangini Berkley
R.Nagendra Rao
Indira Pratishtana National
Kannada Film Fan's Association
Kaladevi Award(Chennai)
Trivia
He was reported to have been beaten by his mentor, Puttanna Kanagal, during the filming of Naagara Havu, for correcting his acting.

He tried singing some songs in some movies (Seethyalla Savitri, Sahasa Simha, Jimmy Gallu)
He was a southpaw and wore a steel armlet in almost all his films.
He acted in four Tamil films - [[Alaigal directed by C.V. Sridhar] [Mazhalai Pattaalam], [Viduthalai]] and Sri Raghavendra, both films starred Rajinikanth in a leading role. In Sri Raghavendra he appeared in a guest role, while in Viduthalai he starred as a second hero. He acted with Sivaji Ganesan in the same film.
He acted in a Malayalam Film - Kauravar with Mammootty.
He acted in about a dozen movies produced/directed by Dwarakesh, the latest being Apthamitra (dir. P.Vasu)
The movie "Yajamana[2001]" was a super hit in which he plays duo role as elder and younger brother. The movie was the biggest hit in the Kannada cinema history before Mungaru Male took over it.
He acted in one episode of TV serial Malgudi Days Episode 18 - "Forty-Five a Month", directed by Shankar Nag.
Apthamitra was one of the biggest hits of South Indian film industry. This was later remade in Tamil as Chandramukhi, again a big hit starred by Rajanikant. The original story is from the Malayalam movie Manichitrathazhu starring superstar Mohanlal.
Vishnuvardhan acted in three Bollywood films; Inspector Dhanush and co-starred with Akshay kumar in films Ashaanth & Zaalim'And also Aptha mitra'