With the demise of the legendary icon Dr. Rajkumar on Wednesday 12th April, millions of kannadigas around the world are feeling orphaned. A versatile actor, an icon to his fans, a crusader for the cause of Kannada and above all he was a good human being. It was his dedication, hard work & love for this soil, that made Rajkumar as “Annavaru” of Karnataka.
Rajkumar alias Muthuraj was born on April 24th 1928, in Gajanur ( Chamarajanagara District) for Laxmamma & Singanallooru puttaswamayya couple. His father was an artist in Gubbi Veeranna drama troupe. Soon Muthuraj followed his father’s footstep & worked with Gubbi Veeranna drama troupe for about 25 years. He got a major breakthrough when he was offered for a lead role in ‘Beadra Kannappa’. After making his debut as full fledged hero in ‘Bedara Kannappa’ as Muthuraj, he was re-christened as “Rajkumar” & from then on he became the much sought after hero in Kannada cinema industry.
Starting from Bedara Kannappa to Shabdavedi Dr. Rajkumar has acted in 205 films. Throughout his career he didn’t restricted himself to anykind of roles as it is rightly said in kannada as “Aadu Muttada Swappilla, Raj madada paatravilla “. From Bedara kannappa to James Bond , he touched anything and everything from mythological to historical films to family sentimental films, as angry anti-hero to comic hero to tragic hero to villian. His 205 films showed fine control an actor has to posses besides creating an unforgettable memory in the minds of the audience. Most of his films carried very strong social messages and were based on moral ethics. With his supreme acting capabilities, he influenced many people (including me) & they have tried to live like him.
Though playback singer P.B Sreenivas was the voice of Rjakumar in his earlier days, he himself underwent training in classical singing & went on to sing his own songs. His singing career begin with a popular number “Yaare Koogadali” in the movie “Sampathige savaal”. He sang for many private albums which were mainly devotional in nature. However his dream of singing a song for the latest movie “Gandugali Kumara Rama” in which his son Shivarajkumar is playing the lead role left unfulfilled.
Rajkumar received numerous awards and a honorary doctrate from Mysore University. He got 9 state awards for the best actor category and 10 film fare awards. He also won a National award in the best singer category for the song ‘Naadamaya…’ from the movie”Jeevana Chaitra”. He received the Padma Bhushana award from the Government of India and the DadaSaheb Phalke award in 1995, in recognition of his contributions to the Kannada film industry. His fans gave him titles like Vara Nata, Nata SaarvaBhouma, Gaana Kogile, Gaana gandarva, Rasikara raja , Nata Ratnakara and many more.
Dr. Rajkumar achieved the frontline position in the Kannada film industry because of his glorious off and on screen presence in the five decades of his career. Dr. Rajkumar never entered politics or neither canvassed for a political party and set true example for other actors & actresses who enters politics by making use of their celeb status. Dr. Raj never expected people to honour him and anything from the industry in turn. He worshipped his profession & dedicated his life for the same. He always raised his voice when there was a trouble to kannada language and culture. “Gokaak Chaluvali” is one such example.
Dr. Rajkumar was a kind hearted & peace loving person. His contribution towards the people of Karnataka is incredible. Even in his death, he has donated his eyes which shows the human values which he has always imbibed & he would serve as a role model for generations to come. Dr. Raj will remain with us in our hearts & continue to inspire millions across the world through his movies. Forever Dr. Raj will be the uncrowned king Kannada filmdom and ambassador for Kannada culture in and outside of Karnataka.
Finally, i pray the god for his rebirth in Karntakaka through my following small poem,
Huttidde ne karunaadinalli Kannadada Mutthagi
Jeeviside ne karunaadinalli Kannadigara Rajanaagi
Asunigide ne karunaadinalli nyja Kannadiganaagi
Asunigidaru hasiraagiruvudu ninna nenapu Kannadaigara mana mane gallalli…
Ee putta kavanada mulaka sallisutiruvenu nimage nanna koti namana
Matte bedutiruvenu aa devaralli “Dr. Raj matte Hutti Barali karunaadinalli…“
Jeeviside ne karunaadinalli Kannadigara Rajanaagi
Asunigide ne karunaadinalli nyja Kannadiganaagi
Asunigidaru hasiraagiruvudu ninna nenapu Kannadaigara mana mane gallalli…
Ee putta kavanada mulaka sallisutiruvenu nimage nanna koti namana
Matte bedutiruvenu aa devaralli “Dr. Raj matte Hutti Barali karunaadinalli…“