Rajkumar passed away, fans torches buses, stones Microsoft research instute in bangalore

An icon of south Indian cinema and star of more than 200 films, Rajkumar, died on Wednesday, sparking widespread violence as distraught fans torches buses and ripped hoardings in the country's hi-tech hub.

India’s many leading technology companies had to send workers home early for safety reasons."We will be shut down tomorrow, because we are worried there may be trouble," said a spokeswoman for software outsourcer Infosys Technologies Ltd. The company, which on Friday is scheduled to announce the results for its fiscal year ended March 31, will proceed with that announcement, she added.

 Actors in the southern Indian film industry are often revered with as much intensity as the gods they regularly portray on screen. Many people include icons of their favorite star in their household shrine, alongside portrayals of the more usual Hindu pantheon.

The local state government has declared a two-day period of mourning for Rajkumar. The actor was influential in state politics by his ability to rally thousands of often unruly supporters.

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