Ambareesh's ashes immersed at Srirangapatna, row rages over Vishnu memorial

Bengaluru: A day after Rebel Star Ambareesh's last rites, his ashes were immersed by wife Sumalatha and son Abhishek along with a few close friends and family members at Paschima Vahini at Srirangapatna near Mandya on Wednesday.

Earlier, the family members performed a pooja at Kanteerava Studio and later headed to Srirangapatna.

Meanwhile, a debate over the pending memorial for late actor Dr Vishnuvardhan surfaced again after his son-in-law Anirudh expressed his displeasure over the state government’s functioning. He reportedly termed Mr Kumaraswamy as a careless chief minister.

Reacting to Anirudh's remarks, Mr Kumaraswamy said it was he who suggested full state honours for the legendary actor, though the family was prepared for the last rites at the Banashankari crematorium.

“I have nothing personal against Mr Kumaraswamy or his family members. I have the highest of regard for him, especially for his close association with Appaji (Dr Vishnuvardhan). The displeasure is against the functioning of the state government, which has seen five chief ministers since Appaji's death nine years ago," Anirudh said.

Five chief ministers suggested five different places for the memorial. “First, a litigated piece of land was given. Later, nearby places were suggested but they came under the buffer zone. When finally a piece of land was given in Mysuru and works started, farmers protested. Already, two years have passed and now, a new proposal is being floated over a memorial at Kanteerava Studio. At the Mysuru site, farmers are protesting now. It is a gomala land and the state can solve it within a day. We have been patient, but for how long," Aniruddh asked.