Vishnuvardhan
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.
150 acting credits
Acting · 150
Bangarada Gudi
1976
Sri Raghavendrar
1985
Naagarahaavu
1972
Zaalim
1994
Ithu Manjukaalam
1993
Nishkarsha
1993
Kotigobba
2001
Amarnath
1978
Habba
1999
Kauravar
1992
Deva
1989
Vishnu Sena
2005
Sahodarara Savaal
1977
Gandhada Gudi
1973
Sowbhagya Lakshmi
1987
Yajamana
2000
Suryavamsha
1999
Marudhanayagam
—
Jayasimha
1987
Ashaant
1993
Hombisilu
1978
Vishnu Vijaya
1993
Nan Hendthi Chennagiddale
2000
Vijay Vikram
1979
Kalla Kulla
1975
Kadamba
2004
Boothayyana Maga Ayyu
1974
Veerappa Nayaka
1999
Kiladi Jodi
1978
Mane Mane Kathe
1981
Kittu Puttu
1977
Avala Hejje
1981
Parva
2002
Varsha
2005
Viduthalai
1986
Daada
1988
Inspector Dhanush
1991
Harakeya Kuri
1992
Jana Nayaka
1988
Okkadu Chaalu
2000
Alaigal
1973
Sahukara
2004
Ee Bandhana
2007
Yaare Neenu Cheluve
1998
Aptharakshaka
2010
Ganeshana Maduve
1990
Namyajamanru
2009
Karnataka Suputhra
1996
Dhani
1996
Raja Narasimha
2003
Diggajaru
2001
Mahakshathriya
1994
Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige
2007
Onde Guri
1983
Nammoora Raja
1988
Belliyappa Bangarappa
1992
Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare
1991
Kiladi Kittu
1978
Bandhana
1984
Sangharsha
1993
Vamsha Vriksha
1971
Raayaru Bandaru Maavana Manege
1993
Apthamitra
2004
Benki Birugali
1984
Police Matthu Dada
1991
Muyyige Muyyi
1978
Nanendu Nimmavane
1993
Nee Bareda Kadambari
1985
Singaporenalli Raja Kulla
1978
Eetti
1985
Makkala Sainya
1980
Samrat
1994
Shivashankar
1990
Pedda Gedda
1982
Prachanda Kulla
1984
Mathe Hadithu Kogile
1990
Naga Kanye
1975
Maduve Maadu Thamashe Nodu
1984
Janani Janmabhoomi
1997
Manikantana Mahime
1993
Maha Prachandaru
1981
Karmika Kallanalla
1982
Suprabhatha
1988
Himapatha
1995
Hrudayavantha
2003
Vasantha Lakshmi
1978
Asadhya Aliya
1979
Sirivantha
2006
Nagarahavu
2016
Neenello Nanalle
2006
Snehithara Saval
1981
Simhada Guri
1998
Karna
1986
Krishna Nee Begane Baaro
1986
Nagarahole
1977
Aaradhane
1984
Jimmy Gallu
1982
Simha Gharjane
1983
Bangarada Jinke
1980
Ravi Varma
1992
Sirithanakke Saval
1978
Premotsava
1999
Hrudaya Geethe
1989
Sahasa Simha
1982
Muthina Haara
1990
Simhadriya Simha
2002
Bellary Naga
2009
Kalinga
1980
Mangala Suthra
1997
Onde Roopa Eradu Guna
1975
Jameendarru
2002
Khaidi
1984
Soorappa
2000
Jeevana Jyothi
1987
Police Papanna
1984
Seetheyalla Savithri
1973
Halunda Tavaru
1994
Kiladigalu
1994
Rahasya Rathri
1980
Nishyabdha
1998
School Master
2010
Jyeshta
2004
Jeevanadi
1996
Kunthi Puthra
1994
Appaji
1996
Mojugara Sogasugara
1995
Ekadanta
2007
Malla
2004
Deepavali
2000
Bhagya Jyothi
1975
Krishna Rukmini
1988
Sneha Sedu
1978
Chinna Ninna Muddaduve
1977
Nee Thanda Kanike
1985
Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda
1997
Driver Hanumanthu
1980
Kotreshi Kanasu
1994
Karulina Kudi
1995
Hello Daddy
1996
Thumbida Mane
1995
Lion Jagapathi Rao
1991
Hendithghelthini
1998
Baalina Jyothi
1996
Laali
1997
Hosilu Mettida Hennu
1976
Time Bomb
1994
Huli Hejje
1984
Jagadeka Veera
1991
Bangarada Kalasha
1995
Shubha Milana
1987