Sampath Kumar (18 September 1950 – 30 December 2009), known mononymously by his screen name Vishnuvardhan , was an Indian film actor. Fondly called The Phoenix of Kannada Cinema, he appeared in over 220 films, predominantly in Kannada in a career spanning 37 years. He made his debut in the 1972 film, Vamsha Vriksha, in a supporting role. The same year he played the lead role in Puttanna Kanagal's Naagarahaavu — catapulting him to fame — and was recognized as the 'angry young man of Kannada cinema'. He proved to be extremely versatile by playing variety of roles, be it the character of an action star or the romantic hero, comedy roles or the serious ones.