Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, software industry icon N R Narayana Murthy, his wife and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty, former cricketer Rahul Dravid and actor Prakash Raj were among the early voters as polling began in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka on Friday.

Many booths reported brisk voting in the first hour of polling as people sought to "beat the heat".

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman exhorted people to vote, taking in their stride anticipated hot day temperature.

The Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka cast her ballot at a polling booth in Jayanagar coming under Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency.

“Everyone should come out of their homes and cast their vote. Yes, it can be a hot day for Bengaluru but it is worth coming out. Choose your time, please come and do vote," Sitharaman told reporters.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Prakash Raj said he voted for the candidate that he has faith in and "for the issues mentioned in the manifesto of the parties." "I have voted against the hate and people who are dividing the country. I have voted for a good representative from my constituency," he said.

"We get this right to vote once every five years. We have to exercise this right responsibly with a lot of thinking. No one should let go of this opportunity," Narayana Murthy told reporters here.

His wife Sudha Murty said the 77-year-old Infosys founder came to vote, despite ill health.

"Narayana Murthy was unwell and he was in the hospital. We got him discharged, and after voting, we are taking him home," she added.

Noting that she had travel plans, but wanted to come and vote before that, Sudha Murty said, "Matadana Shreshta Daana (voting is nobel). Rather than sitting and talking, come out, vote and express your opinion. More and more people should come out and vote."

Speaking to reporters after voting at a polling booth in Jayanagar here, she appealed to youth to come out and vote. "Senior citizens like me will be standing in the queue. Youth should also come out and vote."

Sudha Murty requested the citizens of Bengaluru, which is known for low turnout, to come out and vote in large numbers. "Educated people usually come out in less numbers to vote. As informed voters, you have to exercise your right."

Rahul Dravid, who is the Indian men's cricket team's head coach said, this is an opportunity for everyone to participate, and take forward democracy.

"Good arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of elections...please come out and vote in large numbers. There should be record turnout in Bengaluru this time. Youths should come out and vote, especially first time voters," he said.

Polling began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.

A total of 247 candidates -- 226 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the first phase in 14 segments covering most of the southern and coastal districts, where more than 2.88 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in 30,602 polling stations.

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