by Navin Rajendran

Created on: January 01, 2010

Death of a hero

"Any violence in your neighbourhood today?" This is not the kind of question one expects to associate with 'Water-Cooler' talk, but a colleague greeted me with this in-your-face question out of the blue, when I walked up to the ...well... a water-cooler in the office pantry area on 30th December, 2009.

I stared at my friend and went, "Huh?" I was brought up to speed quickly on the death of a noted Kannada movie hero Vishnuvardhan the previous night. My naturally inquisitive mind began to conjure images of foul-play at work, potential murder by rivals, or perhaps an accident. That could explain the rage of the movie-crazy public in Bengaluru, who wanted to avenge the wrong-doing. But I was brought back to reality in a jiffy when my friend went on to state that the film-star died of natural causes - a heart attack. As soon as the news broke out, there were several incidents of mayhem on the streets in various areas of the otherwise-peaceful city of Bangalore. My friend was just checking to see if I had witnessed any of the angry mobs in action. I thank the stars (not the filmy ones, please!) that I was spared such sights.

On the night after the film-star's death was announced, oblivious to the chaos that prevailed, another friend and I had movie-plans. Excited about watching the latest James Cameron flick - Avatar in true 3D glory, we learned on reaching the theatre that all shows were cancelled, as a token of mourning of the hero's death and/or precautionary measure to avoid property damage by distressed, irate mobs. I also observed that some of the large, bustling malls were all closed too... I cannot imagine the loss of revenue resulting from such an exercise. Would it not have been more appropriate if all cinema halls had special documentaries in tribute to the very talented and definitely much-loved Vishnuvardhan that were screened prior to the main feature? How about banners placed at various locations across the malls to pay homage to the departed soul, instead of shutting down shops and bringing life to a stand-still (no pun intended)?

I cannot understand the logic that drives folks who mourn the death of their favourite movie-star by resorting to violence on the streets and burning vehicles and damaging property. Businesses had to be shut down in several areas. Unconfirmed reports state that the losses amounted to over Rs.500 Crores (1 Crore = 10,000,000). A news report indicated over 40 BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses were damaged by 'mourners' ?! What is the world coming to, when sadness turns to mindless rage? Local fans seemed to have lost their reasoning powers.

I can just about imagine Vishnuvardhan shifting in his grave on realizing the havoc wreaked by his fans on his account. May his soul rest in peace... and while I'm on a wishing spree, may his fans realize the folly of their ways and make amends!

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