'No water or power for non-Kannada speakers'

Movie star Vishnuvardhan is certain he will not enter politics, but if the impossible does happen, this is what he will do

What keeps Vishnuvardhan ticking? The star, who completes 37 years in the Kannada film industry, tells us about his beginnings as Ramachari in Nagarahavu, his steadfast refusal to enter politics and why the Amrutha Mahotsava celebrations pained him.

"Politics is not my cup of tea. I don't think I have any leadership qualities. Just because one is a film star, one can't have an opinion on everything under the sun."

"If I were CM, what would I do? Well, that's not a possibility in the near future but if you really want to know I would cut off water and power supply to the homes of those who refuse to speak Kannada!"

"I am very pained that there wasn't any mention/ tribute of or visual on Tiger Prabhakar at the Amrutha Mahotsava celebrations. When they could speak of Shankar Nag, why not about Prabhakar?"

"I entered the film industry quite by chance. But I found art, livelihood, friends, respect and status here. Films are my only reality."

"As a young boy, I was fascinated by films. My parents had written me off as a good-for-nothing as I had not shown any interest in studies. In fact, my mother was sure that there had been a mix-up of babies at the hospital where I was born. My parents hoped to see me as a police officer, but I was a rebel. Luckily, I found my calling in films."

"Life has been a great adventure. That's why I believe that I am not the master of my destiny. There's a great force that's propelling me forward."

"My first film was Vamshavruksha, where I played a minor role. Having seen me in that film, Puttanna Kanagal offered me the role of Ramachari in Nagarahaavu. I felt he had written the role for me. I consider him my guru.

He gave me the keys to a new life."

"I am a firm believer in the 'live and let live' philosophy. I am a boring man as I lead a very uncontroversial life. But controversy follows me."

"More than my role, more than my image, more than the money, I value the time spent on the sets and the interactions with my colleagues."u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
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u00a0"I wish I were popular with girls as a young hero! When I was interviewed by a film magazine called Menaka decades ago, I was sure I would have lots of female fans but that did not happen! What's the point if I get their attention now?"

"My entry into films was unexpected, but I hope my exit will be graceful."

u00a0"It's interesting to hear rumours that float around about my films and my political dreams. I laugh them off."u00a0
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"I am on a spiritual quest. I am not sure what I am seeking, but I am on a journey."