Bengaluru, September 11: The Karnataka government has announced that legendary Kannada actors Dr. Vishnuvardhan and B. Saroja Devi will be conferred the state’s highest civilian honour, the Karnataka Ratna, posthumously.
The decision, taken at the state Cabinet meeting, has brought immense joy to fans and the film fraternity. The Department of Kannada and Culture will decide the date and venue of the award presentation.
Family members and industry veterans had long been pressing for the honour. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and Anirudh had recently met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to submit a request. Senior actors Jayamala, Shruti, and Malavika Avinash had also appealed to the government to recognise the contribution of the two stalwarts.
Dr. Vishnuvardhan, who entered films in 1972 with Vamsha Vriksha and Nagarahavu, went on to act in over 200 movies, winning the title “Sahasa Simha” from his admirers. B. Saroja Devi, one of Kannada cinema’s most celebrated heroines, also left an indelible mark with her performances across multiple decades.
By conferring the Karnataka Ratna, the government has formally acknowledged their towering contribution to Kannada cinema.
