Mysuru: The long-cherished demand for a memorial of late actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan became a reality yesterday with the inauguration by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai at Haalalu village near Udbur Gate on the outskirts of Mysuru.

Bommai unveiled a seven-foot statue of the ‘Nagarahavu’ actor installed at the memorial amidst thunderous claps and slogans by thousands of people who had gathered at the venue.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said that he was attending the programme as a fan of Vishnuvardhan. The CM said, “I remember the front page feature on the actor in a Kannada film journal way back in 1972 when Nagarahaavu was released. He went on to rule the film world for nearly four decades and made an immense contribution to the State in the field of art and culture.”

Meanwhile, Vishnuvardhan fans sought Karnataka Ratna for the late actor. The CM’s speech was continuously interrupted by fans who went berserk, raising placards in support of their demand. At the end of his speech, the CM announced that he understands their demand and would respect their sentiments. “The Government will take a decision in this regard soon,” he added.