By Omer Farooq

BBC News, Hyderabad



Vishnuvardhan was a giant of the Karnataka film industry

The film industry in southern Indian state of Karnataka is in mourning following the death of one of its super stars, Vishnuvardhan.

Cinema halls, schools and studios were closed and a holiday was declared by the state government.

Vishnuvardhan, 59, died of a heart attack in the early hours of Wednesday in the city of Mysore where he was under treatment for leg pain.

He is survived by his wife, also a popular actress.

Thousands of the actor's shell-shocked fans lined up at a Bangalore college where his body was kept in state.

At one point vehicles in the city were attacked as frenzied fans jostled to catch a last glimpse of their hero. Police baton-charged fans who were trying to close shops and businesses in the city.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa was the first to reach actor's home to pay tributes. He announced a state funeral for him.

Describing Vishnuvardhan as "a born actor", the chief minister said "Karnataka has become poor in his death".

Vishnuvardhan acted in 199 films in a career spanning 37 years, portraying a wide range of characters including that of an angry young man, a rebel and a reformer.

Born in September 1950 as Sampath Kumar in Mysore, he renamed himself as Vishnuvardhan after beginning his film career.

Vishnuvardhan, whose 200th movie "Apatha Rakhshaka" is now ready for release, was especially liked for his simplicity and humble manners.

He was seen as the biggest star of Kannada movies after fellow thespian Rajkumar.

Vishnuvardhan was especially renowned for his versatility and was an accomplished singer.

He won seven state awards, five Filmfare awards and was given a honorary doctorate by Bangalore University in recognition of his achievements.