Vishnuvardhan
Acting · Born Sep 18, 1950 · Died Dec 30, 2009 (59) · Mysore, Karnataka, India
Sampath Kumar (18 September 1950 – 30 December 2009), known by his stage name Vishnuvardhan, was an Indian actor who worked predominantly in Kannada cinema besides also having sporadically appeared in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam language films. Vishnuvardhan has a prolific career spanning over four decades, during which he has acted in more than 220 films. A popular cultural icon of Karnataka, and holds the status of a matinée idol among the Kannada diaspora. He is popularly called as Sahasa Simha, Dada and The Angry Young Man of Kannada Cinema. Vishnuvardhan's contributions to Kannada cinema have been praised by his contemporaries in the Indian film industry. The Government of Karnataka honoured him with the highest civilian awards of Karnataka State, the Karnataka Ratna Award in 2025, Rajyothsava Prashasthi in 1990 and the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 for his contributions to Kannada cinema. He was called The Phoenix of Indian Cinema. In 2008, a poll conducted by CNN-IBN listed Vishnuvardhan as the most popular star in the Kannada film industry.
Films
Nagarahavu
201610.0
Aptharakshaka
20106.7
School Master
2010
Bellary Naga
2009
Namyajamanru
2009
Ee Bandhana
20072.0
Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige
20075.7
Ekadanta
2007
Sirivantha
2006
Neenello Nanalle
2006
Vishnu Sena
2005
Varsha
2005
Jyeshta
2004
Sahukara
2004
Apthamitra
20048.2
Malla
2004
Kadamba
2004
Hrudayavantha
2003
Raja Narasimha
2003
Simhadriya Simha
20026.0
Jameendarru
2002
Parva
2002
Kotigobba
20019.0
Diggajaru
2001
Yajamana
20005.0
Nan Hendthi Chennagiddale
2000
Deepavali
2000
Soorappa
2000
Okkadu Chaalu
2000
Premotsava
1999
Suryavamsha
19999.0
Habba
1999
Veerappa Nayaka
1999
Hendithghelthini
1998
Simhada Guri
1998
Yaare Neenu Cheluve
1998
Nishyabdha
1998
Laali
1997
Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda
1997
Janani Janmabhoomi
1997
Mangala Suthra
1997
Jeevanadi
1996
Baalina Jyothi
1996
Dhani
1996
Karnataka Suputhra
1996
Appaji
1996
Hello Daddy
1996
Himapatha
1995
Karulina Kudi
1995
Thumbida Mane
1995
Bangarada Kalasha
1995
Mojugara Sogasugara
1995
Zaalim
19945.8
Kiladigalu
1994
Halunda Tavaru
1994
Kotreshi Kanasu
19948.0
Mahakshathriya
1994
Samrat
19947.0
Kunthi Puthra
1994
Time Bomb
1994
Ashaant
19934.0
Vishnu Vijaya
1993
Manikantana Mahime
1993
Raayaru Bandaru Maavana Manege
1993
Nanendu Nimmavane
1993
Ithu Manjukaalam
19938.0
Nishkarsha
199310.0
Sangharsha
1993
Harakeya Kuri
1992
Belliyappa Bangarappa
1992
Ravi Varma
1992
Kauravar
19926.8
Police Matthu Dada
19917.0
Inspector Dhanush
19919.0
Jagadeka Veera
1991
Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare
1991
Lion Jagapathi Rao
19917.0
Mathe Hadithu Kogile
1990
Muthina Haara
19908.0
Shivashankar
1990
Ganeshana Maduve
19909.0
Hrudaya Geethe
1989
Deva
1989
Daada
1988
Krishna Rukmini
1988
Jana Nayaka
1988
Nammoora Raja
1988
Suprabhatha
1988
Shubha Milana
1987
Jeevana Jyothi
19879.0
Jayasimha
1987
Sowbhagya Lakshmi
1987
Krishna Nee Begane Baaro
1986
Viduthalai
19865.8
Karna
1986
Nee Thanda Kanike
1985
Sri Raghavendrar
19856.7
Eetti
1985
Nee Bareda Kadambari
1985
Maduve Maadu Thamashe Nodu
1984
Aaradhane
1984
Huli Hejje
1984
Khaidi
1984
Police Papanna
19847.0
Prachanda Kulla
1984
Benki Birugali
1984
Bandhana
19846.3
Simha Gharjane
1983
Onde Guri
1983
Gandharva Giri
1983
Jimmy Gallu
1982
Sahasa Simha
19828.0
Karmika Kallanalla
1982
Pedda Gedda
1982
Snehithara Saval
1981
Maha Prachandaru
1981
Avala Hejje
1981
Mane Mane Kathe
1981
Driver Hanumanthu
1980
Bangarada Jinke
19809.0
Rahasya Rathri
19801.0
Makkala Sainya
1980
Kalinga
1980
Vijay Vikram
1979
Asadhya Aliya
19798.0
Singaporenalli Raja Kulla
197810.0
Amarnath
19786.0
Vasantha Lakshmi
19787.0
Kiladi Jodi
19788.0
Sneha Sedu
1978
Muyyige Muyyi
19788.0
Sirithanakke Saval
1978
Vamsha Jyothi
19787.0
Hombisilu
19787.0
Kittu Puttu
19779.0
Sahodarara Savaal
19778.0
Chinna Ninna Muddaduve
1977
Nagarahole
19779.0
Bangarada Gudi
19769.0
Hosilu Mettida Hennu
1976
Bhagya Jyothi
1975
Naga Kanye
19759.0
Onde Roopa Eradu Guna
1975
Kalla Kulla
197510.0
Boothayyana Maga Ayyu
19749.0
Gandhada Gudi
197310.0
Seetheyalla Savithri
1973
Alaigal
1973
Naagarahaavu
19726.4
Vamsha Vriksha
19717.0
Marudhanayagam
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