Renowned actresses Jayamala, Shruti, and Malavika Avinash met the Chief Minister at his residence on Saturday to submit a formal request for awarding the Karnataka Ratna posthumously to legendary Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan.
The actresses highlighted Vishnuvardhan’s immense contribution to the Kannada film industry, noting that his career spanned hundreds of successful films and left a lasting impact on both cinema and the cultural pride of Karnataka. They emphasized that the actor continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Kannadigas, and awarding him the state’s highest civilian honor would be a fitting tribute. They also urged the government to construct a memorial in his honor, serving as inspiration for future generations.
During the meeting, the actresses also paid tribute to the late veteran actress B. Sarojadevi, acknowledging her decades-long contribution to South Indian cinema. They proposed that a road in Malleswaram, where she had resided, be named after her as a mark of respect and recognition of her legacy.
Sources indicated that the Chief Minister acknowledged the requests and assured that the government would consider them positively. These proposals not only aim to honor the stalwarts of Kannada cinema but also to highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating the state’s cultural and artistic heritage for future generations.