Jump to content

Dr. Rajkumar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other actors with the same name, see Rajkumar.
In this Indian name, the toponymic surname is Singanalluru. It is not a family name, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Muthuraj.
In this Indian name, the name Puttaswamaiah is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Muthuraj.

Dr. Rajkumar
Born
Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj

(1929-04-24)24 April 1929
Dodda Gajanur,[1] British India[2]
Died12 April 2006(2006-04-12) (aged 76)
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
MonumentsKanteerava Studios
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
Years active1954–2000
WorksFull list
MovementGokak agitation[3]
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1953)​
Children5, including Shiva, Raghavendra, Puneeth
FamilyRajkumar family
AwardsFull list
Honors

Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006),[4] better known by his stage name Dr. Rajkumar,[a] was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Kannada cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest and versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema,[6][7][8][9] he is considered a cultural icon and holds a matinée idol status in the Kannada diaspora,[10][11] among whom he is popularly called as Nata Saarvabhouma (Emperor of Actors), Bangarada Manushya (Man of Gold), Vara Nata (Gifted actor), Gaana Gandharva (Celestial singer), Rasikara Raja (King of connoisseurs), Kannada Kanteerava and Rajanna/Annavru (Elder brother, Raj). He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1983 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995.[12] He is the only lead actor to win National Award for Playback singing.[13] His 39 movies have been remade 63 times in 9 languages[14][15] by 34 actors [16] making him the first actor whose movies were remade more than fifty times[17] and the first actor whose movies were remade in nine languages.[18] He was the first actor in India to enact a role which was based on James Bond in a full-fledged manner.[19] The success of his movie Jedara Bale is credited to have widely inspired a Desi bond genre in other Indian film industries.[20] On the occasion of the "Centenary of Indian Cinema" in April 2013, Forbes included his performance in Bangaarada Manushya on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".[21] Upon his death, The New York Times had described him as one of India's most popular movie stars.[22]

Rajkumar entered the film industry after his long stint as a dramatist with Gubbi Veeranna's Gubbi Drama Company, which he joined at the age of eight before he got his first break as a lead in the 1954 film Bedara Kannappa. He went on to work in over 205 films essaying a variety of roles and excelling in portraying mythological and historical characters in films such as Bhakta Kanakadasa (1960), Ranadheera Kanteerava (1960), Satya Harishchandra (1965), Immadi Pulikeshi (1967), Sri Krishnadevaraya (1970), Bhakta Kumbara (1974), Mayura (1975), Babruvahana (1977) and Bhakta Prahlada (1983).[23] 13 of his films have received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada (Rajat Kamal) within a span of 15 years from 1954 to 1968. 17 of his films have received Karnataka State Film Awards in five different categories.

Trained in classical music during his theatre days, Rajkumar also became an accomplished playback singer. He mostly sang for his films since 1974. The songs Yaare Koogadali, Huttidare Kannada, Hey Dinakara, Hrudaya Samudra, Manikyaveena and Naadamaya became widely popular. For his rendition of the latter song, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

He is the only Indian actor to be awarded the Kentucky Colonel, the highest honour bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the United States.[24][25] Well known for his highly disciplined and simple lifestyle in both personal and professional fronts, Rajkumar was also an avid Yoga, Pranayama, and Carnatic music performer. In 2000, he was kidnapped from his farmhouse at Gajanur by Veerappan and was released after 108 days.[26] He died of cardiac arrest at his residence in Bangalore on 12 April 2006 at the age of 76.[27] His eyes were donated as per his last wish.[28]

In his film career, Rajkumar received eleven Karnataka State Film Awards, including nine Best Actor and two Best Singer awards, eight Filmfare Awards South and one National Film Award.[29] He holds the record of receiving Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada and Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor the highest number of times. He received the NTR National Award in 2002. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore,[30] and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (1983)[31] and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1995) for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.[32] He was also the first Indian actor to be bestowed with an honorary doctorate for acting.[33] A mega icon and a socio-cultural symbol of Kannada,[34] he has been credited with redefining Kannada cinema[35] and also putting the Kannada cinema on the national map.[36] He was the first actor to play the lead role in 100 as well as 200 Kannada movies.[37] His 1986 movie Anuraga Aralithu was the first Indian movie to be remade in seven other languages.[38] He has the distinction of having played the highest number of devotional, mythological and historical characters (combined).[39]

Early life

[edit]

Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj was born in a Kannada-speaking family [40] on 24 April 1929 in Dodda Gajanur,[41] a hamlet in the Talavady taluk. His father Puttaswamayya and mother Lakshmamma were impoverished theatre artists from Singanalluru.[42] His mother tongue was Kannada,[40][43] and he was also proficient in Tamil.[44] Puttaswamayya was good at playing mythological roles such as Kamsa, Ravana, and Hiranyakashipu. Muthuraj left school at eight and was later discovered by film producers, who cast him in small roles that he played till he was 25.[42]

He was named Muthuraj, after Muthaththi Raya (a name for the Hindu deity Hanuman), which is a temple deity located in Muthathi, a settlement on the banks of river Kaveri in present-day Karnataka.[45]

Career

[edit]

As actor

[edit]

Muthuraj started his acting career with his father in a drama troupe led by Gubbi Veeranna[46][47] and later joined the drama company of Subbaiah Naidu.[48] In 1953, he was spotted by film director H. L. N. Simha, who was on the lookout for well-built, pleasant-faced man for the starring role in film, Bedara Kannappa (1954).[11] Simha eventually signed Muthuraj for the film and named him Rajkumar.[46]

Prior to Bedara Kannappa, Rajkumar had appeared as a child artist in the 1942 film Bhakta Prahlada in a small role and also in the 1952 film, Sri Srinivasa Kalyana, as Sage Agasthya, one of the Saptarishis (seven sages).[49] It was an insignificant role in which his scene was over even before he recognised himself.[50]

He acted only in Kannada movies throughout his career apart from one Telugu film, Kalahasti Mahatyam (1954), which was a remake of his debut Kannada movie Bedara Kannappa.[51]

He had lead roles in 205 movies.[52] He owned a production company called Sri Vajreshwari Combines under the banner Dakshayani Combines. Bhagyada Bagilu (1968) was his 100th film,[53] Devatha Manushya (1988) was his 200th film and Shabdavedhi (2000) was his last film.[54]

His character depictions ranged from mythological, historical, devotional, James Bond styled spies to romantic, rural, action roles and portrayals of contemporary social causes in the span of over five decades.[42] Rajkumar along with his contemporaries Udaya Kumar and Kalyan Kumar were referred as the Kumara Thrayaru of Kannada cinema. He acted in 36 films with Udaya Kumar and in 5 films with Kalyan Kumar.[55]

His historical movies such as Ranadheera Kanteerava, Immadi Pulikeshi, Sri Krishnadevaraya and Mayura presented a populist version of Karnataka's history, focusing on the Karnataka kingdoms such as Mysore royalty, The Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Empire and The Kadambas respectively[56] - thereby making him the only Indian actor to have portrayed the role of four prominent kings of Indian history - Kanthirava Narasaraja I, Pulakeshin II, Krishnadevaraya and Mayurasharma. He also appeared as Bijjala II in Jagajyothi Basveshwara and as Raja Mallasarja in Kittur Chennamma.

The other prominent historical characters portrayed by him include Purandara Dasa in Navakoti Narayana, Kanaka Dasa in Bhakta Kanakadasa, Tukaram in Santha Thukaram, Kabir Das in Mahathma Kabir, Kālidāsa in Kaviratna Kalidasa, Gora Kumbhar in Bhakta Kumbara, Sri Raghavendra Swamy in Mantralaya Mahatme, Sarvajna in Sarvagna Murthy, Chetha in Bhakta Chetha,[57] Kaivara Narayanappa in Kaiwara Mahathme,[58] Pundarika in Hari Bhakta,[59] Appanna in Sanaadi Appanna and Santhoba Pavar in Bhakta Vijaya.[60]

He also has the rare distinction of having portrayed the mythological roles of both Devas and Asuras in an almost equal number on the Indian on-screen. While he has played Lord Ram in Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddha, Lord Vishnu in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana, Lord Krishna in Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama, Lord Shiva in Gange Gowri, Narada in Mooroovare Vajragalu, he has also played the role of Ravana in Bhookailasa, Hiranyakashipu in Bhakta Prahlada, Shishupala in Dashavathara, Bhasmasura in Mohini Bhasmasura and Mahishasura in Mahishasura Mardini. His other prominent mythological characters include Kannappa in Bedara Kannappa, Chandrahasa in Chandrahasa, Harishchandra in Satya Harishchandra, Satyavan in Sathi Savithri, Vasishtha in Mahasathi Arundathi,[61] Valmiki in Valmiki, Chyavana Maharshi in Sathi Sukanya and Dushyanta in Kaviratna Kalidasa.[62] Further, he also holds the distinction of being the only actor to play the role of Arjuna and his two sons. While he appeared as Arjuna in Shree Krishna Gaarudi, he appeared in the role of Nagarjuna in Nagarjuna and as Babruvahana in Babruvahana.

His movies were also noted to include drama sequences where he performs various mythological, historical or literary characters such as Romeo and Babruvahana in Amma (1968), Gautama Buddha in Uyyale (1969), Echchamanayaka in Bhale Jodi (1970) [63] and as Bhima in Havina Hede (1981). His movies also have dream and song sequences where he appears in various characters such as Kamadeva in Dhruva Thare, as Krishna in Emme Thammanna,[64] Daari Tappida Maga and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma.

He has acted in around 50 movies based on novels, plays and short stories,[65] which is the highest for any actor in India. He made movies from Kannada novels and made movies against perceived social evils in movies like Jeevana Chaitra (on evils of alcohol) and Shabdavedhi (on drug abuse).[66]

Between 1954 and 1969, Kannada film industry produced 207 movies within a span of 15 years and Rajkumar starred in 100 of those.[67] While the early 60s saw him appearing in fantasy genre movies such as Rani Honnamma (1960), Aasha Sundari (1960), Devasundari (1962), Bala Nagamma (1966) and Devara Gedda Manava (1967), he was also noted for doing swashbuckler films [68] such as Vidhivilasa (1962), Veera Kesari (1963), Katari Veera (1966), Madhu Malathi (1966), Rajashekara (1967), Rajadurgada Rahasya (1967), Simha Swapna (1968), Jaga Mecchida Maga (1972), Bahaddur Gandu (1976) and Huliya Haalina Mevu (1979) at regular intervals in the 1960s and the 1970s.

When Rajkumar appeared as CID 999 in Jedara Bale, he became the first Indian actor to enact a spy role modelled on James Bond in a full-fledged manner [69] and was called the James Bond of India.[70] The success of this movie led to three sequels: Goa Dalli CID 999, Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999 and Operation Diamond Racket.[71][72][73] The CID 999 Franchise was the first Indian movie franchise to have four instalments and CID 999 was the first character based trilogy in India.[74][70][75]

He acted with heroines of southern cinema[76] such as Jayanti (38 films),[77][78] Pandaribai (18 films), Leelavathi (28 films), Bharati (26 films),[79] Kalpana (19 films), Aarathi (13 films), B. Saroja Devi (12 films), Rajasree (10 films), Harini (11 films), Krishna Kumari (8 films), Madhavi (7 films), Manjula (7 films), Jayamala (6 films), Lakshmi (5 films), Kanchana(5 films), Geetha (5 films), Saritha (5 films) and Jaya Prada (4 films).[80] Actress Rekha made her debut in a lead role with his movie Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999.[81] Sri Lankan based actress Sabeetha Perera also made her Indian movie debut with his film Goa Dalli CID 999.[82] Chi. Udaya Shankar has written dialogues and songs for 85 of his movies. G. K. Venkatesh has scored music for over 50 of his movies. He also has the distinction of having worked with more than 75 directors.[83]

Rajkumar in an interview in 90's

His movie Operation Diamond Racket was shot in Nepal and became the first Kannada movie to be shot outside India. His movie Ondu Muttina Kathe was reported to be the first ever Indian film to have an underwater action sequence shot in an ocean[84] outside India[85] without the help of oxygen mask.[86]

Rajkumar's 1971 movie Kasturi Nivasa was colorised and released in 2014. Even close to a decade after his death, the movie garnered a grand opening with the actor's life-size cutout being immersed in milk. The colorised release also performed well at the box office over taking other Kannada movies released at the time.[87] His 39 movies have been remade 63 times in 9 languages by 34 actors.[88]

As singer

[edit]

Rajkumar trained in classical music when he was with Gubbi Veeranna's theatre troupe.[89] The track "Om Namaha Shivaya" from the 1956 film Ohileshwara, which he also starred in, was his first song for a film. He subsequently sang "Thumbithu Manava", a duet with S. Janaki, for the movie Mahishasura Mardini (1959). However, he became a full-fledged singer only in 1974 when he sang in place of P. B. Sreenivas for Sampathige Savaal,[90] who had till then sung for most songs picturised on Rajkumar, fell ill. Rajkumar sang the energetic "Yaare Koogadali" for the film which became widely popular during the time and is considered one of his best songs.[91]

Rajkumar has been credited for having sung across various genres and each rendition according to the mood of the scene in the film. In "Yaaru Tiliyaru Ninna" for Babruvahana (1977), a prosodic form of Kannada poetry that required the tone to be a combination of sarcasm and anger, he blended the twin skills of theatrics and music. For Nee Nanna Gellalare (1981), he sang two songs—"Jeeva Hoovagide" and "Anuraga Enaytu"—beginning both with the refrain "I love you", that is full of Carnatic gamakas. After the same tone in the refrain, they take on a life of their own with the form according to love and happiness in the former and love but a discord in the latter.[89] He is known widely for his rendition of "Nadamaya" for Jeevana Chaitra (1992), a song based on the raga of Todi and with complex graces and strings other ragas as it progresses. He switches ragas with ease, and sings complex swara patterns like a professional classical artiste. For the rendition, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.[92] His frequent collaboration with the composer duo of Rajan–Nagendra gave musical hits such as Bangarada Hoovu (1967), Nyayave Devaru (1971), Swayamvara (1973), Sri Srinivasa Kalyana (1974), Nanobba Kalla (1979) and Chalisuva Modagalu (1982).[93]

Rajkumar's duets are mostly recorded with S. Janaki and Vani Jairam. Other female singers who sang with him are P. Susheela, Bangalore Latha, H. P. Geetha, K. S. Chitra, Swarnalatha, Manjula Gururaj, B. R. Chaya, Kasturi Shankar, Rathnamala Prakash, Sulochana and others.

During his career, Rajkumar sang and performed for songs about Kannadigas, the Kannada language and culture, such as "Jenina Holeyo" from Chalisuva Modagalu, "Maanavanagi Huttidmele" from Jeevana Chaitra and "Huttidare Kannada" from the film Aakasmika. He sang a complete English song called "If You Come Today" ("Tick Tick Tick") in the movie Operation Diamond Racket in 1978. This song became an internet meme in India following Rajkumar's demise in 2006.[75]

In later years, he lent his voice to a few actors and sang background solos. For the song Deepavali Deepavali [94] from Muddina Maava, he provided playback to S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.[95] This was a rare occasion. "Hrudaya Samudra Kalaki" from Ashwamedha and "Hey Dinakara" from Om are the two other popular songs sung by Rajkumar for other actors.[96] He also sang Kalidasa shlokas such as "Maanikya Veena" and ghazal-based songs such as "Sadaa Kannale", "Kanneera Dhaare" and "Yaava Kaviyu".

Rajkumar recorded many devotional songs beginning in the 1970s for Columbia Recording Company starting with "Mantralayakke Hogona" in 1972. His widely popular LP record "Guruvara Bantamma" was also recorded during the time.[97] In 1979, Sangeetha Cassettes became India's first licensed pre-recorded cassettes. Rajkumar sang the devotional songs glorifying the saint Raghavendra and the Hindu deity Hanuman.[97][98]

Apart from performing in about 75 musical nights, he has sung 300 movie songs and about 200 folk and devotional songs, the proceeds of which were given away to charity.[99]

It was also noted that his versatility and diction contributed immensely to his popularity as a singer since he was able to sing songs of any style - be it qawwali, ghazal, bhajan or English songs - apart from handling a range of emotions - vivacious, romance, devotion or sarcasm.[100]

Personal life

[edit]
From (L to R) Ravi Srivatsa, Shiva Rajkumar, Parvathamma Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar

Family

[edit]

At the age of 24, Rajkumar married his 14-year-old cousin, Parvathamma, on 25 June 1953 in Nanjangud.[101] This was in accordance with the betrothal that their fathers made following the latter's birth.[102][103] Together, they had five children: sons Shiva, Raghavendra and Puneeth, and daughters Lakshmi and Poornima. Having lived a "hand to mouth existence" after marriage in a joint family that included 24 children in Madras, the family moved to Bangalore in 1972, after Rajkumar began getting multiple film offers.[104]

Abduction

[edit]
Main article: Kidnapping of Rajkumar

On 30 July 2000, Rajkumar, his son-in-law Govindaraju and two others were abducted by Veerappan from the actor's palatial house at Gajanur. Veerappan demanded the release of his gang members who were being held in jail under a defunct anti-terrorism law. The event prompted a massive manhunt and threw the Karnataka government into crisis. The Supreme Court of India opined that it was "unpardonable" on the part of the government of Tamil Nadu for not providing security to Rajkumar, although they had information a year earlier that he faced a threat of being kidnapped by Veerappan.[105] A Special Task Force (STF) set up to capture Veerapan had earlier warned Rajkumar against visiting the farmhouse, and his son Raghavendra later acknowledged that his father had not taken the threat seriously.[106]

After a total of 108 days in captivity,[107] Rajkumar was released unharmed on 15 November 2000. His abduction and the manner in which his release was secured remains a mystery.[26][98][108]

Death and memorial

[edit]
Bust of Rajkumar in Jayanagar

On 12 April 2006, Rajkumar returned to his Sadashivanagar residence after his regular 20-minute walk and had a general medical check-up by 11:30 a.m. (IST). At 1:50 pm (IST), as he sat on a sofa, he asked a member of his family to slow the fan down and immediately collapsed. His personal physician Ramana Rao was called for, who rushed within three minutes, and performed external cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Rajkumar was then taken to MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital and was administered intracardiac injections. Efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead at 2:05 pm (IST). His death occurred 12 days before his 77th birthday.[109] His eyes were donated to two visually impaired persons the same day.[110]

Rajkumar's death triggered an outpouring of grief. There was major shutdown in the city of Bengaluru. An unofficial bandh (closure of all shops and other establishments) was observed. Several people attempted suicide after hearing the news; most of them were rescued. The funeral cortège the next day started from Sree Kanteerava Stadium to Kanteerava Studios a few minutes before 12:30 pm (IST), a distance of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi).[111] Around two million people followed his remains.[27] However, the entire procession was marked with violence with mourners attacking public property, and police, who resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas.[112] Passing through Krishna Raja Circle, Palace Road, T. Chowdiah Road, Sadashivanagar, Yeswanthpur and Goraguntepalya localities, the cortège reached the Studios at 4:45 pm (IST). His body was buried with State honours at 5:45 p.m (IST) at the premises of the studios. The last rites were performed by his eldest son Shiva, guided by priests from the city's ISKCON and the Gayathri Temples.[111]

The then President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had condoled his death. In the condolence message, he had praised his versatility and everlasting contributions to the Indian cinema.[113]

On 19 April, the government of Karnataka announced that a memorial would be made in Rajkumar's honour at Kanteerava Studios in association with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce at the cost ₹ 100 million.[114] The blueprint of the memorial was cleared by a panel comprising members of Rajkumar's family, representatives of the Kannada film industry and the state government.[115] After a delay over allocation of funds and land, it was finally opened in November 2014, after a sum of ₹ 70 million was used in developing it over an area of 2.5 acres (1.0 ha). It included "an open-air auditorium, mini-water body, landscaping and a bust" of Rajkumar. 40 photographs of selected films of Rajkumar were kept on display at the inauguration.[116] A permanent exhibition on the history of Rajkumar's films that included his photographs, trophies and souvenirs, alongside a stock of dialogue, scripts, songs and other memorabilia associated with him were put on display. An annual calendar for 2012 was released containing photographs of Rajkumar and stills from his films.[117] His fan clubs conduct blood donation and eye donation camps on the occasion of his birth and death anniversaries every year.[118]

After his death, two audio companies - Saregama India Limited and Mars Recording Private Limited - were pitted against each other over the copyright of his songs as per Section 52(j) of The Copyright Act, 1957.[119]

Acting versatility

[edit]

It was observed that after 15 years into his career, in the mid sixties, when new young filmmakers were searching for actors who were less theatrical, Rajkumar had to undergo a transformation in his acting style and succeeded in proving that he could handle roles which were subtle, mellow and soft without the need for theatrical histrionics.[120] He went on to be known for portraying versatile roles with elan.[121]

He was also praised for his ability to integrate actors' virtues with the power of a superstar without letting one erase the other by acting as a gulf between mainstream popular movies and artistic cinemas.[122] It was also noted that it was his subtle acting prowess, spontaneous style and his flair to give the reel characters a real credibility which singled him out to the top and helped him to never be out of the running by withstanding the onslaught of time, age and the ever changing demands of celluloid world.[123]

Jnanapith awardee U. R. Ananthamurthy had noted that movies of Rajkumar were less melodramatic than the movies of his counterparts at that time in other languages—MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and NTR.[124]

Amitabh Bachchan had praised Rajkumar's simplicity and his ability to perform any role to perfection.[125] Anil Kapoor called him the "emperor of all the actors"[126] and a pride of Indian film industry.[127]

Girish Kasaravalli had called him a great actor by any standards.[128] Jayanth Kaikini had said that the variety and intensity which Rajkumar had managed as an actor was unmatched world over.[129]

When Rajkumar completed 200 movies in lead roles in Kannada films, P. Lankesh edited a special issue of Lankesh Patrike in 1988 titled Innooru Chitragala Raja dedicating to him.[130]

Social themes of movies

[edit]

Rajkumar made movies against perceived social evils throughout his career. His debut movie Bedara Kannappa (1954) addressed social discrimination.[131] The 1957 movie Rayara Sose speaks against the evil practice of dowry.[132] The 1958 movie Shree Krishna Gaarudi, which narrates the bickering and squabbling among the Pandavas for portfolios, allegorises the politics in the then newly formed Mysore state.[133][134]

The 1962 movie Bhoodana was based Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement and speaks about the religious conversion of the marginalised.[135] The 1964 movie Naandi was acclaimed for capturing the real-time plights of those with hearing impairments.[136] The 1967 movie Bangarada Hoovu spoke about misconceptions about leprosy[137] - especially the notion that leprosy is a consequence of one's past sins.[138] The 1968 movie Hannele Chiguridaga deals with the empowerment of women in education and widow marriage.[139] The 1968 movie Mannina Maga depicted the difficulty of sustaining community life in a city resulting in turn away from it in favour of a village.[140] The 1969 movie Uyyale presents a delicate tale of the extra-marital love of a woman neglected by her husband [141] reflecting the social and moral laws of married life.[142] The 1969 movie Mayor Muthanna had a sub-plot of salvaging of the sub-standard grain and black marketing.[143]

The 1971 movie Kasturi Nivasa charts the rise of modern manufacturing techniques and the ill effects of orthodox approach towards upgradation of technology.[144] The 1971 movie Sakshatkara speaks about superstitions and manipulation of beliefs.[145] The central theme of 1972 movie Bangaarada Manushya - returning to one's ancestral village - inspired youth to take up agriculture.[146] The film also touched on very important topics like rural development, modern agricultural practices and co-operative movement.[147] The 1973 movie Bidugade speaks about capital punishment based on circumstantial evidence be done away with. The 1973 movie Gandhada Gudi was reported to be the first Indian movie made on the concept of protection of forest and wildlife conservation[148] with a focus on the need to preserve the flora and fauna at a time when the CITES treaty was signed with an aim to reduce the economic incentive to poach endangered species.[149] The 1974 movie Sampathige Savaal speaks subtely about the abolishment of Zamindar system [150] by portraying the rich versus poor in a rural backdrop.[151]

The 1985 movie Jwaalamukhi speaks about marks card forgery.[152] The 1985 movie Dhruva Thare speaks about the oppression by the higher class and the need for the minimum wages. The 1986 movie Anuraga Aralithu speaks about the implementation of labour reforms in factory.[62] The 1987 movie Shruthi Seridaaga made a strong statement against believing horoscope blindly. The 1987 movie Ondu Muttina Kathe was a narration on how the value of objects differ across the social strata, especially among the literate and the illiterate.[153]

The 1992 movie Jeevana Chaitra instigated many villages to ban arrack shops.[154][155] The 1993 movie Aakasmika was about woman trafficking and prostitution racquet.[156]

His last movie Shabdavedhi (2000) was about drug abuse and its ill effects on the youth.[66]

Mass appeal and popularity

[edit]

Veteran journalist and writer Patil Puttappa had described Rajkumar as a natural strength of Kannada whose mass appeal was much more than any leader in Indian politics.[157] He was also praised for confining himself to the Kannada cinema through a conscious decision.[76] His movies were praised for showing consistent interest in building a Kannada society and not a Kannada nation as such.[158] They were also noted for holding up the value of civility and refrain from peddling hatred.[159] His presence was reported to have filled the void between the state and the nation which neither the littérateurs nor the politicians could accomplish.[160]

Some observers are of the opinion that his star appeal helped bring together the diverse regions of Karnataka. The state was carved out in 1956, bringing together different regions like Hyderabad Karnataka, which were areas ruled by the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad; Mumbai Karnataka, which has a strong Marathi influence; Old Mysore region ruled by the Mysore royal family and the hilly regions and coastal belt. Each region has a distinct identity within the state and Rajkumar was accepted as a Kannada icon across all regions. He spoke Kannada in a distinct way which had a universal appeal across the state. This was an important aspect since his career played out when the state's identity was still evolving.[161] Rajkumar's movies were largely credited for creating a unified Kannada cultural space after the formation of the state.[162] It was reported that before linguistic reorganisation of the states, the default state border for the Kannada speaking population was the last point where Rajkumar films were distributed.[163]

He was considered as a strong symbol of Kannada identity.[164] Bollywood actor Prithviraj Kapoor had requested Rajkumar to act with him in a Hindi movie but Rajkumar had refused the offer in spite of Hindi movies having wider market than Kannada. Later, Prithviraj Kapoor went on to share the screen with him in the Kannada movie Sakshatkara directed by Puttanna Kanagal.[165] He had also refused to appear in a cameo for Amitabh Bachchan's 1983 Hindi movie Coolie as he did not want to appear in a non-Kannada movie. Further, he thought that it would not be good for an actor to look down on another actor as the scene involved Amitabh touching the feet of Rajkumar's character - a sequence which appeared before the introduction song of Amitabh's character.[166] In spite of having appeared only in Kannada movies, he was reasonably popular amongst the non- Kannadigas too.[167] His films have inspired many non-Kannadigas to learn the language.[168] In spite of strong Kannada conservatism in his movies, they were noted to have transcended the barriers of language to connect with the ethos of the nation.[169]

Kuvempu considered him to be the most suitable ambassador to propagate his idea of Universal Human (Vishwamanava).[146] His 1972 movie Bangaarada Manushya was credited for inspiring the urban youth to take up farming by popularising modern farming technology.[170]

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor had called him "The emperor of all actors".[171] Rana Daggubati had revealed that he had referred Rajkumar's performance in the 1983 movie Bhakta Prahlada for his preparation for the role of Hiranyakashipu.[172]

During the interview for promotions of 2.0, Rajinikanth had said that 10 MGRs were equal to 1 Rajkumar.[173] Rajinikanth had also revealed that the only autograph he has ever taken in his life is of Rajkumar.[174] He had also remarked that Rajkumar was a combination of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan.[175] Vishnuvardhan said he was biggest worshipper of Rajkumar.[176]

B. Saroja Devi called upon the present generation artistes to adopt and emulate the values and ideals cherished by the actor for the growth of the Kannada film industry.[177]

The Pampa Award for writers was instituted by the Government of Karnataka on his behest.[178] The cash prize of ₹1,00,000 which he received with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was given as donation to Kannada Sahitya Parishat.[179] He gave away the proceeds of 57 musical night programmes as donations to build stadiums in 21 districts of Karnataka.[146]

After Rajkumar's eyes were donated as per his last wish, the eye donation in Karnataka was reported to have increased by 400%.[180] The director of the 2021 Kannada movie Akshi which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada at the 67th National Film Awards had revealed that the act of eye donation by Rajkumar was the inspiration for the plot of his movie.[181]

The initial move to shift the operations of the Kannada cinema gradually from Madras to Bangalore has been credited to Rajkumar's home productions.[182]

As of April 2016, 71 books and 9 souvenirs have been published on Rajkumar.[183] In 2015, after 15 years of research, Doddahulluru Rukkoji released a two-volume, 2,148 page book chronicling Rajkumar's life and achievements.[184] As of May 2023, close to 100 statues of Rajkumar were found in Bangalore alone.[185][186][187]

On the occasion of Rajkumar's 90th birthday, an audio-visual musical extravaganza fund raiser programme titled Raj Vaibhava was conducted in Greater Boston for the benefit of a retirement home in Mumbai.[188] In 2012, an entertainment programme called Dr.Raj Vaibhava based on his movies and songs was conducted in Kuwait in his honour.[189]

In 2018, in the run up to the relaunch of Jawa motorbikes, the marketing team of Mahindra & Mahindra used the climax bike stunt sequence of his 1976 movie Naa Ninna Mareyalare as a part of their promotion strategy.[190][191][192]

The tableau of Krishnadevaraya at the 2021 Delhi Republic Day parade was reported to be modelled on Rajkumar.[193] The team of the Kannada movie Daredevil Musthafa released an animation song as a tribute to Rajkumar based on the popular theatre song Ninnanthor Yaaru Ilvallo composed by B. V. Karanth in the honour of Mysore King Kanthirava Narasaraja I whose role was portrayed by Rajkumar in the 1960 movie Ranadheera Kanteerava.[194] Flower show conducted at Lal Bagh as a tribute to him on the occasion of 75th Independence Day in August 2022 was attended by 8.34 lakh people generating a revenue of ₹3.33 crore.[195]

Politics

[edit]

Political analyst MK Bhaskar Rao had revealed that the Janata Party's J. H. Patel and George Fernandes had approached Rajkumar to contest against Indira Gandhi in the 1978 Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha byelection but he refused saying he wanted to remain apolitical.[196]

The Hindu had reported that Rajkumar could have swept any poll effortlessly but had decided that the affection and love of the people should not be used to attain power.[197] It was also reported that Rajkumar declined to enter politics despite immense pressure as he did not want to be used only as a weapon to defeat anyone and not for any positive contribution.[198][199] He shunned publicity and politics all his life.[200] He was also credited for protecting and promoting the Kannada language without opting for a political career.[201]

Lifestyle

[edit]

Rajkumar was known for being a highly disciplined man in both his personal and professional lives.[202] He practised Carnatic music for an hour each day in the morning and in the evening. He was referred to as Gaanagandharva (translation: a heavenly singer).[203] His punctuality is another noted aspect. Waking up every morning at 4 am, he performed Yoga and Pranayama, which is said to be the reason behind his physical and mental fitness.[204] His Yoga performances can be seen in the first clips of his film Kaamana Billu.[205] His waist size was 32 at the time of his death. This fitness is attributed to his practice of Yoga.[206] Actor John Kokken had revealed that Rajkumar was the inspiration behind him performing Yoga every day.[207]

He shunned smoking and drinking both on screen and off.[42] To avoid setting a precedent among his fans, he made sure that the roles he accepted did not require him to smoke or drink or utter swear words, and extended this decision to real life.[11] His dress code always consisted of a simple white dhoti and shirt. He spent most of his vacations in his hometown, Gajanur, near the forest area where he was later abducted.[208]

In 1961, he led a movement to collect funds for drought relief.[209] He would always refer to his movie-producers as Anna Daataru (food providers) and adored fans as Abhimaani Devarugalu (Fan Gods).[210]

He was a devotee of Raghavendra Swami.[211] When Dr. Rajkumar was chosen for the role of saint Raghavendra Swamiji for Mantralaya Mahatme by T.V. Singh Thakur in 1966, there was an objection from the Madhwa community. They were against a non-vegetarian playing the role of Mantralaya seer. However, Dr. Rajkumar gave up non-vegetarian food and lived like a saint during the entire shoot of the film.[212]

Girish Kasaravalli had praised his simplicity, humility, innocence and straight-forwardness.[213] Singeetam Srinivasa Rao called him as one of the two funniest people he has come across in his life.[214] S. P. Balasubrahmanyam had praised his courteous and down to earth nature.[215]

Reminiscing his old days, Kannada director J.G.Krishna had revealed that Rajkumar was responsible for light boys being served food by the film production team after he discovered that they were not being served food on the sets and took initiative to make it mandatory for all Kannada film producers to bear the food cost of the light boys treating them on par with the employees of the production house.[216]

In 2001, he started Shaktidhaama - a rehabilitation home for 800 destitute women who were rescued from prostitution.[217] He endorsed Karnataka Milk Federation's Nandini brand of milk for free.[218]

A touching testimonial to his commitment to lead by example was that he had pledged his eyes in 1994 at the time of inauguration of Dr. Rajkumar Eye Bank and he rightly did so after his death in 2006.[219] His act of eye donation was likened to the role in his debut movie Bedara Kannappa where he plucks his eyes in the climax to replace the bleeding eyes of the Shivalinga.[220]

Kannada language movement

[edit]
Main article: Gokak agitation

Although Rajkumar rejected numerous offers[221] to don the political mantle, he was able to influence the State's political fortunes without ever being officially involved in politics. Despite his apolitical outlook, he was able to protect and espouse the cause of Kannada and Karnataka.[11] He continually advocated the cause of seeking primacy for Kannada,[222][223] was asked to lead a movement to make Kannada a compulsory language for primary education based on the "Gokak report", popularly known as Gokak Varadhi. He became actively involved in the movement and soon became the force behind the Gokak movement. He led rallies from Belagavi to Bengaluru and gave speeches about the importance of Kannada Gokak agitation. Millions of people gathered for the opportunity to have a glimpse of Rajkumar and listen to his speeches. The power of this movement caused the government to relent and make Kannada a compulsory language of education in Karnataka.[11]

Filmography

[edit]
Main article: Dr. Rajkumar filmography

Awards and honours

[edit]

Rajkumar was awarded numerous State, National and International awards. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, a doctorate from Mysore University and the Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the State of Karnataka, recognising him as a Jewel of Karnataka State.

In 1985, he was honoured with the Kentucky Colonel award.[224] In 1995, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contributions to the Kannada film industry.

In 2011, during the 83rd birth anniversary of Rajkumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka announced that the state government recommended that he be awarded a Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, for his outstanding contributions to the film industry.[225] He was reported to be the first actor whose first movie won the National Award for Best Picture ( Certificate of Merit).[226] He was also the first actor to complete 100 movies in the lead role in Kannada.[37]

International recognition

[edit]
  • Kentucky Colonel, an honorary order from the governor of Kentucky, United States in 1985 [227] - the only Indian actor to receive the award.[228]
  • The British daily newspaper The Guardian praised him for his subtle acting and described him as a humble, modest being who was a symbol of Kannada consciousness.[229]
  • The New York-based American newspaper The New York Times described him as "an epitome of good character not just in movies but also in real life".[230]
  • The California-based daily newspaper East Bay Times praised him for never having smoked cigarettes on screen and never playing a drunkard after his early days.[231]
  • ABC News - the news division of Walt Disney Television - acknowledged him as one of the greatest actors of his time and called him The Gentle Giant of Karnataka.[232]
  • The Rome-headquartered global news agency Inter Press Service(IPS) observed that Rajkumar epitomised the breaking away of the Kannada cinema from the older Tamil cinema which then had an overarching influence in the southern India.[233]
  • The American daily The Washington Post called him "one of the region's best-loved figures who had millions of fiercely devoted fans".[234]
  • The Washington, D.C.-based American media organisation NPR called him "a role model, community leader and an aesthete".[235]
  • The Irish daily newspaper The Irish Times called him a veteran matinee idol and a cultural icon beloved by all.[236]
  • The Dubai based English daily newspaper Gulf News called him "a polite man, a philanthropist, who led a simple life".[237]
  • The British broadcaster BBC called him an Indian film legend who was one of the best-loved figures in southern India.[238]
  • The U.S. based multimedia agency Voice of America (VOA) called him one of southern India's most famous actors known for never smoking cigarettes or playing a drunkard on-screen.[239]
  • WarnerMedia owned CNN recognised him as one of southern India's most famous film stars.[240]
  • The British news publisher The Independent called him one of India's best-loved actors and the biggest star the Kannada film industry has ever produced.[241]
  • The San Jose based The Mercury News lauded his unparalleled contribution to Kannada and Kannada film fraternity.[242]
  • A biographical book on Rajkumar compiled by Puneeth Rajkumar titled Dr. Rajkumar:The Person Behind The Personality was officially handed over to British Library, London.[243]

National level recognition

[edit]

Recognition by the state

[edit]
  • Honoured with the title: Nata Saarvabhouma in 1967 from the Government of Karnataka.[254]
  • Rajyotsava Prashasti in 1973.[255]
  • An honorary doctorate from the Mysore University[30] in 1976.
  • Karnataka Ratna in 1992 - First recipient of the award along with Kuvempu.[256][257]
  • The State Government established Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1993–94 to be given for lifetime achievement towards contributions to Kannada cinema - making him the first Indian actor in whose name a State Government established an award while he was still alive.
  • A 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) road was named Dr. Rajkumar Road[258] on 27 January 1994.[259] The road stretches from the government soap factory and World Trade Center (Orion mall) in Yeshwanthpur to Prasanna theatre, Magadi road in Bangalore.
  • The Nadoja Award, an honorary doctorate from Hampi University in 1999.[260]
  • He was felicitated by the Karnataka State Government on completion of 50 years in the Kannada film industry for his rich contributions to the celluloid world.[222][223]
  • In 2010, the Karnataka State Government had announced to build a film city in memory of Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan based on the model of Ramoji Film City.[261]
  • The 11.5 km road connecting Nayandahalli Junction and Tumkur Road titled as Dr.Rajkumar Punyabhoomi Raste where it passes through (Kanteerava studio) Raj's Monument.[262]
  • In 2017, the Karnataka State Government had prescribed his biography and contributions to Kannada cinema for its Class V students and a mention of his contributions to Kannada culture for its Class VI students.[263]
  • A garden depicting sequences from his movies through sculptures had been established at Gotagodi, Haveri.[264]
  • In August 2022, on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, flower show themed on the life journey of Rajkumar and his son Puneeth Rajkumar was conducted at Lal Bagh as a tribute to them[265] which included the bust of the actor along with 205 portraits of his films.[266]

Filmfare Awards South

[edit]

Rajkumar holds the record of winning eight South Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category in Kannada cinema.[267]

Below is the list of films for which he received the Best Actor awards:

  1. Gandhada Gudi in 1973[268][269][270]
  2. Mayura in 1975[271]
  3. Shankar Guru in 1978[272]
  4. Keralida Simha in 1981[273][274]
  5. Shravana Banthu – 1984
  6. Ade Kannu – 1985 [275]
  7. Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma – 1986[276]
  8. Aakasmika in 1993[277]

Total of 8[267] Filmfare awards in the Best Actor category.

Karnataka State Film Awards

[edit]
  • Rajkumar has won 11 Karnataka State Film Awards (9 for best actor, 2 for best singer)
Best Actor
Best Singer

Other awards and honours

[edit]
  • In 2013, a bronze statue of Rajkumar was placed in the replica of Hampi stone chariot at Kurubarahalli Circle in Nandini Layout.[278]
  • Vishwa Maanava named by Kannada poet Kuvempu
  • ETV Kannadiga of the Year Award in 2003
  • In 2020, on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava,[279] gold and silver coins engraved with his face on one side and the Karnataka State symbol Gandaberunda engraved on the other side were released in his memory.[280]

Sarthaka Suvarna

[edit]

In July 2005, the government of Karnataka captioned by N. Dharam Singh, the Chief Minister of Karnataka conducted a felicitation ceremony for honouring Rajkumar for his (50 years of) service to Karnataka at Bangalore Palace named Sarthaka Suvarna (Significant Gold). This ceremony was attended by the entire Kannada film industry marking respect and tribute to the legend, and could be called an official celebration of Golden Jubilee of Rajkumar's works and services to the Kannada film industry.[281] A Biography on Rajkumar, written by A.N.Prahlada Rao, was released on the occasion.[282]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ He was credited as simply Rajkumar before he was awarded an honorary doctorate.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The eternal Kannada icon". 24 November 2000. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  2. ^ Verghese, Abraham (February 2001). "The Bandit King". The Atlantic. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  3. ^ "Economic and Political Weekly – Rajkumar and Kannada Nationalism" (PDF). Bangalorenotes.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  4. ^ Singh, Kuldip (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar – Demigod of southern Indian film". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  5. ^ "All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday". India Today. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Remembering Dr Rajkumar: Lesser-known facts and trivia about the legendary 'Annavaru'". Amp.ibtimes.co.in. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  7. ^ "Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar". Deccan Herald. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Not just a star, an icon - Indian Express". The Indian Express.
  9. ^ "Kannada actor Rajkumar dies of heart attack". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  10. ^ Katakam, Anupama (8 December 2000). "The eternal Kannada icon". Frontline. Bangalore. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  11. ^ a b c d e Sharma, Ravi (5 May 2006). "Pride of Kannada". Frontline. Bangalore. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  12. ^ "Did you know? Dr. Rajkumar is the first actor to have won the very prestigious Karnataka Ratna award". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  13. ^ "All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday". India Today. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  14. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/bangarada-manushya-the-legacy-of-dr-rajkumar-101700766324262.html [bare URL]
  15. ^ Sharma, Damini (2 November 2022). "The only actor in the country whose films were remade more than 50 times, Amitabh Bachchan also touched feet". News Day Express. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  16. ^ "How many films of Dr. Rajkumar were remade?".
  17. ^ "ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳ 'ಅನುರಾಗ ಅರಳಿತು' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ 35 ವರ್ಷ". Chitrapatha.com. 15 September 2021. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  18. ^ "ರಾಜ್‌ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ". Udayavani.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  19. ^ "Versions of James Bond in Kannada". The New Indian Express. 17 October 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  20. ^ "When Rajkumar went by the name 'Agent 999'". 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  21. ^ "Forbes India - 25 Greatest Acting Performances Of Indian Cinema". Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  22. ^ Rai, Saritha (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  23. ^ "Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema". Rediff.com. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  24. ^ "Did you know? Dr Rajkumar was the first actor in India to receive a doctorate in acting". The Times of India.
  25. ^ "All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday". India Today. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  26. ^ a b Times of India – Total recall of 109 days of kidnap drama. The Times of India. (29 July 2001).
  27. ^ a b Deccan Herald News Service – Eight deaths and a funeral Archived 29 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Deccan Herald. (14 April 2006).
  28. ^ "Thespian Rajkumar's eyes donated: Doctor". Hindustan Times. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  29. ^ a b "40th National Film Festival" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. dff.nic.in. pp. 49–50. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
  30. ^ a b "Google doodles legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar on 88th birth anniversary". Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  31. ^ a b "Padma Awards Directory(1954–2009)" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
  32. ^ "Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners". Film Federation of India. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  33. ^ "Dr.Rajkumar was the first actor in India to receive a doctorate in acting". Times of India. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  34. ^ "Exploring a phenomenon called Annavaru". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  35. ^ "A requiem for Dr. Rajkumar". The Times of India. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  36. ^ "100 Years of Cinema: From actors to demigods; the first superstars of cinema". News18. 2 March 2013.
  37. ^ a b "When Dr Rajkumar boarded a lorry". newsable.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  38. ^ "Not Rajinikanth or Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar's film was first to be remade in 6 languages in India". newsable.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  39. ^ "Dr Rajkumar facts | 10 interesting records of Dr Rajkumar that are not easy to break".
  40. ^ a b "Nedumaran enacted drama to get me freed, says Rajakumar". m.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  41. ^ "Verdict in Rajkumar abduction case on Sept. 25". The Hindu. 18 September 2018. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  42. ^ a b c d Rai, Saritha (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 14 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  43. ^ "Fighting for my language". The Hindu. 12 July 2012. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  44. ^ Dhaan, M S. "The man who changed Kannada cinema". Rediff.com. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  45. ^ "Muthathi faces Mekedatu threat; Rajkumar family pitches". Deccan Herald. 1 January 2019. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  46. ^ a b "Dr. Raj Kumar | ನಟಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮ 'ರಾಜ್' ಐದನೇ ಪುಣ್ಯತಿಥಿ". Kannada.webdunia.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  47. ^ "A star without peer on Kannada screen". The Hindu. 10 August 1996. Archived from the original on 20 December 1996. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  48. ^ "ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಮತ್ತು ರಂಗಗೀತೆಗಳು". Prajavani.net. 25 April 2021.
  49. ^ "'ಬೇಡರ ಕಣ್ಣಪ್ಪ' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೂ ಮೊದಲು ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್‌ ನಟಿಸಿದ್ದ ಆ ಎರಡು ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳು ಯಾವುವು?". Archived from the original on 15 September 2020.
  50. ^ "Dr Rajana introduction lovely". July 2019. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020 – via YouTube.
  51. ^ "Do you know the legendary Rajkumar once acted in a Telugu movie?". Deccan Herald. 17 September 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  52. ^ Seetalabavi, P. Nayak, M. Swarnasetu 2014: ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ KKNC Annual Publication (in Kannada). RG Kannada e-Publisher. p. 44.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  53. ^ "Swept away by the wave". The Hindu. 21 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  54. ^ "S Narayan directed Rajkumar's last film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 December 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  55. ^ Kannada Cinema – Frequently Asked Questions and a Brief history of Kannada Film Industry. Totalkannada.com
  56. ^ "Frontline : In-depth analysis of issues and events in India and around the world". Frontlineonnet.com. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  57. ^ "rajkumar profile - chitraloka.com | Kannada Movie News, Reviews | Image". Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  58. ^ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಈ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ರೀಮೇಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟದಿಂದ ಹೊರಬಂದ ಮಲಯಾಳಂ ನಿರ್ಮಾಪಕ..! | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 103". YouTube. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  59. ^ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ನಟಿಸಿದ ಮೊದಲ ರೀಮೇಕ್ ಚಿತ್ರ ಯಾವುದು ಗೊತ್ತಾ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 102". YouTube. 13 January 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  60. ^ Raghavendra, M. K. (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088430. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020 – via Google Books.
  61. ^ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ಏಕಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ, ಪೌರಾಣಿಕ ಹಾಗು ಜಾನಪದ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.. | Ramkumar | Ep 81". YouTube. 22 December 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  62. ^ a b "A Casesetudy ofDr. Rajkumar S. Movies". docplayer.net. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  63. ^ "Dr.Rajkumar as Ecchama Nayaka || ಎಚ್ಚಮನಾಯಕ". YouTube. 7 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  64. ^ "ಹಿಂದಿ,ತಮಿಳು, ತೆಲುಗಿಗಿಂತ ಕನ್ನಡದ "ಎಮ್ಮೆ ತಮ್ಮಣ್ಣ" ಏಕೆ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar | Ep 171". YouTube. 12 February 2024.
  65. ^ "ರಾಜ್‌ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ". Udayavani. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  66. ^ a b In 'Shabdavedi' Dr Rajkumar waged a war against drug menace Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Supergoodmovies.com (6 June 2011).
  67. ^ "Fans now play a big role behind the scenes". Deccan Herald. 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  68. ^ "Arjuna to James Bond-like roles—Dr Rajkumar was 'emperor of actors' in Kannada film industry". ThePrint. 24 April 2023.
  69. ^ Vijayasarathy, R.G. (17 April 2006). "The best of Dr Rajkumar". Rediff India Abroad. Archived from the original on 16 August 2007. Retrieved 25 September 2007.
  70. ^ a b "Rajkumar Birthday: जब भारतीय सिनेमा के 'जेम्स बॉन्ड' को वीरप्पन ने कर लिया था अगवा, 108 दिनों बाद हुई थी रिहाई". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  71. ^ "Versions of James Bond in Kannada". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  72. ^ "History 49 - James Bond Style in Kannada". Chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  73. ^ Shivaraj Kumar to play James Bond in Operation Golden Gang Archived 23 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Entertainment.oneindia.in (20 July 2010).
  74. ^ "Feluda To Sethurama Iyer: India's Best Detectives in Film & Fiction - Silverscreen.in". Silverscreen.in. 7 April 2016. Archived from the original on 10 April 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  75. ^ a b Balakrishnan, Ravi. (10 May 2008) Economic Times – The name is Kumar, Raj Kumar Archived 20 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Economic Times.
  76. ^ a b "Rajkumar". Cinemaazi. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  77. ^ "The man who changed Kannada cinema". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  78. ^ "Rajkumar-Jayanthi pair ruled Kannada cinema". Deccan Herald. 26 July 2021. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  79. ^ "ಜೇಡರ ಬಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯಂತಿ ನಟಿಸಿಲ್ಲವೇ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar | Ep 151". YouTube. 19 December 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  80. ^ Rajkumar Filmography Archived 22 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Rajkumarmemorial.com.
  81. ^ "Rekha made her acting debut at 12 in a Telugu film". Inshorts - Stay Informed. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  82. ^ "Sabeetha Perera – Biography (Biodata, Profile)". onlyfilmy.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  83. ^ "Rajkumar: Undisputed cult figure in Karnataka". Outlookindia.com/. 2 August 2022. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  84. ^ "The Times Group". 10 October 2018. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018.
  85. ^ "Ondu Muttina Kathe is the first Indian movie to be shot under water". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  86. ^ "Shankar Nag's Last Interview – Full". 9 November 2013. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021 – via YouTube.
  87. ^ "Dr Rajkumar still holds sway over fans". Deccan Herald. 7 November 2014. Archived from the original on 6 May 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  88. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar Movies Remade in Other Languages : ಪರಭಾಷೆಗೆ ರಿಮೇಕ್ ಆದ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ 10 ಬ್ಲಾಕ್ ಬಸ್ಟರ್ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು - Kannada Filmibeat". Kannada.filmibeat.com. 5 March 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  89. ^ a b Ganesh, Deepa (19 April 2017). "The authentic Kannada voice". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 21 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  90. ^ "Nata Saarvabhouma Dr Rajkumar no more". Deccan Herald. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013.
  91. ^ Ramakrishna, S. R. "Rajkumar's rich musicscape". themusicmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 23 August 2000. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  92. ^ "40th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  93. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (21 April 2017). "He captured the drama in the song". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  94. ^ Video on YouTube
  95. ^ "Songs sung by Dr.Rajkumar". Annavaru. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  96. ^ "The best songs of Rajkumar". Rediff. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  97. ^ a b Govind, Ranjani (2 May 2014). "The saga of a pioneer". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 May 2014. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  98. ^ a b "Dr. Rajkumar Biography, India Great Celebrity, Short essay on Dr. Rajkumar". 4to40.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  99. ^ "Welcome to Chitatara". 17 July 2007. Archived from the original on 17 July 2007.
  100. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (2 June 2022). "Legendary Kannada actor Rajkumar who also excelled as a singer". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  101. ^ Tekur, Sumaa (13 April 2010). "I'm alive today because Rajkumar is still with me: Parvathamma Rajkumar". Daily News and Analysis. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  102. ^ "Dr Rajkumar - Talking about Marriage". YouTube. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  103. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (23 April 2017). "Love is life - SouthKannada - The Hindu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2017.
  104. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (24 December 2010). "Love is life". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  105. ^ "TN's failure on Rajkumar's security unpardonable – SC". The Indian Express. 20 October 2000.
  106. ^ Veerappan's prize catch Archived 10 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (20 December 1998).
  107. ^ "Generations to Come Will Marvel at the Brilliance of Dr Rajkumar, the Ultimate Kannada Superstar". News18. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  108. ^ "The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  109. ^ "Kannada actor Rajkumar dies of heart attack". The Times of India. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  110. ^ "Rajkumar's eyes grafted to two visually impaired". The Times of India. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  111. ^ a b Sastry, Anil Kumar; Subramanya, K. V. (14 April 2006). "Rajkumar laid to rest". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  112. ^ "Rajkumar fans turn violent in Bangalore". Hindustan Times. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  113. ^ "President Kalam condoles Dr Rajkumar's death". Rediff. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  114. ^ "Rajkumar Memorial to cost Rs 10 Crore". indiaglitz.com. 20 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  115. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar Memorial". Kanteerava Studios. kanteeravastudios.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  116. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (27 October 2014). "Rajkumar memorial opening to be star-studded affair". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  117. ^ "Dr Rajakumar Calender [sic] Continues". supergoodmovies.com. 5 January 2012. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  118. ^ "Prayers, charity mark Rajkumar's anniversary - The New Indian Express". Newindianexpress.com. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  119. ^ "HC to decide ownership of Rajkumar songs". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  120. ^ "12 April 2006: Rajkumar, legendary Kannada film actor, died -". What Happened on This Day in History - Maps of India. 12 April 2014. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  121. ^ "Rajkumar, R.I.P." outlookindia.com/. 2 August 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  122. ^ Legends of Indian Silver Screen. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. ISBN 9788123021164. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2020 – via Google Books.
  123. ^ "Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema". Rediff. Archived from the original on 11 August 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  124. ^ "The ?Maryada Purushotham?". Hindustan Times. 15 April 2006. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  125. ^ "Dr Raj was fond of me Big B". Mid-day. 26 February 2009. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  126. ^ Suresh, Sunayana. "'Dr Rajkumar is the emperor of all actors' says Anil Kapoor". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  127. ^ "Kannada Cinema Beats: From Anil Kapoor praising Rajkumar to Sudeep's daughter reacting to Pailwan". newsable.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  128. ^ "DFF commits faux pas over Dr Rajkumar's photo". oneindia.com. 27 November 2006. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  129. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (27 April 2015). "A theatrical swing". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  130. ^ "Rajkumar". old.upperstall.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  131. ^ "Bhakta Kannappa (1976) - Retrospective | telugucinema.com". Archived from the original on 8 March 2016.
  132. ^ Raghavendra, M. K. (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088430. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020 – via Google Books.
  133. ^ "Kurukshetra movie review: The Mahabharta is told more with more focus on flesh, than the spirit". Firstpost. 10 August 2019. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  134. ^ k Raghavendra, M. (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088430. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  135. ^ Ganesh, Deepa (16 May 2016). "Bhoodana: the classic at 55". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  136. ^ "'Movie' over the subtitle barrier with these must-watch films in 8 Indian languages". Telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  137. ^ @NFAIOfficial (21 April 2022). "#FaceOfTheWeek #Rajkumar and Kalpana starred in the leading roles in this passionate romantic tale, #BangaradaHoovu…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  138. ^ k Raghavendra, M. (22 June 2011). Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199088430. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  139. ^ "Walking the pioneer's path". The Hindu. 24 August 2007. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  140. ^ "Bangalore in Kannada films". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 19 November 2019.
  141. ^ "Dr Rajkumar's 'Uyyale' in IFFI retrospective". Deccan Herald. 21 November 2019. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  142. ^ @NFAIOfficial (28 May 2022). "#SaturdayVibes: Kalpana in acclaimed #Kannada film #Uyyale (1969). The film presents a delicate tale of the extra-m…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  143. ^ R, Shilpa Sebastian (13 December 2019). "Remembering S Siddalingaiah, destined to direct". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 November 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  144. ^ Wilson, Heather (2 November 2017). "Kasturi Nivasa". Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  145. ^ "Bio". Sunnxt.com. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  146. ^ a b c "ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ 'ರಾಜ'". Prajavani.net. 25 April 2021. Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  147. ^ "History 53 - Bangarada Manushya Creates Record". Chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  148. ^ "Kannada film picks forWorld Environment Day". Deccan Herald. 6 June 2020. Archived from the original on 7 June 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  149. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (13 May 2017). "Masti Gudi: Lopsided concern for tiger". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  150. ^ "Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar". Deccan Herald. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  151. ^ "From Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu to Sampathige Savaal: 7 Kannada movies which are known for its amazing storyline". Timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  152. ^ "Is Puneeth's next project titled 'Jwalamukhi'?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  153. ^ Kumar, S. Shiva (10 March 2016). "Remembering Shankar". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  154. ^ "Cinemaster: Are criminals schooled at movie halls?". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  155. ^ "Kannada Movie/Cinema News - Women Strike With Power". chitratara.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  156. ^ "ಆಕಸ್ಮಿಕ [Unexpected] all Akasmika". Travel2films.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  157. ^ "Rajkumar: Man of Qualities and the real superstar". oneindia.com. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  158. ^ "Two or three things about Rajkumar - Bangalore Mirror". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  159. ^ "Superstar 'Rajkumar' is more than a moral icon for Karnataka. He's an intimate presence". ThePrint. 16 September 2023. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  160. ^ "Requiem to an Era". The Telegraph. Kolkota. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  161. ^ Veeraraghav, T. M. (24 April 2018). "Karnataka's Reluctant Politician: The Life and Times of Annavaru". TheQuint. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  162. ^ Raghavendra, M. K. (28 June 2017). "Ten Landmark Films of Kannada Cinema You Can Watch Now". Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  163. ^ "The Last of the Cultural Icons". outlookindia.com/. 27 January 2022. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  164. ^ "A Bengaluru Artist Is Tracing How Pro-Kannada Groups Use Flex Banners To Assert Power". huffingtonpost.in. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  165. ^ "7 Interesting facts about Dr. Rajkumar". Metrosaga.com. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  166. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (10 October 2019). "Amitabh Bachchan had asked Dr Rajkumar to do a cameo in 'Coolie'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023.
  167. ^ "Non-Kannadigas remember their 'Raj' on his Birthday - The New Indian Express". The New Indian Express. 8 April 2018. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  168. ^ "Rajkumar contributed immensely to Kannada language". Deccan Herald. 24 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  169. ^ "How with Puneeth Rajkumar's passing away, the already muted Kannada conservatism loses a glorious figurehead". Firstpost.com. 3 November 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  170. ^ "'Bangarada Manushya': How this Kannada classic inspired many to take up farming". Thenewsminute.com. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  171. ^ Suresh, Sunayana. "Dr. Rajkumar is the emperor of all actors| Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  172. ^ Chakravorty, Joyeeta. "I had failed Class 10, but that did not discourage me from following my dreams: Rana Daggubati". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 December 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  173. ^ "10 ಎಂಜಿಆರ್‍ಗೆ ಒಬ್ಬ ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್ ಸಮ - ರಜನಿಕಾಂತ್". chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  174. ^ Cr, Sharanya. "The only autograph I have is that of Rajkumar: Rajinikanth". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 April 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  175. ^ "Fans Convention: Rajinikanth's Speech About Dr Rajkumar in Chennai. - YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  176. ^ "Vishnu connects with Raj's atma". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  177. ^ "Emulate Dr. Rajkumar: Saroja Devi". The Hindu. 27 December 2013.
  178. ^ Kaikini, Jayant (21 April 2011). "The Raj route". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023.
  179. ^ "ಡಾ.ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ್ : ರೂಪದೊಳಗಿನ ರೂಪಕ". 21 February 2021. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  180. ^ "Rajkumar effect: Fans come forward to pledge eyes". DNA India. 24 April 2007. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  181. ^ "A Kannada film inspired by Rajkumar wins award". 22 March 2021. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  182. ^ Kumar, Biswal, Santosh; Sankar, Kusuma, Krishna; Sulagna, Mohanty (26 June 2020). Handbook of Research on Social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema. IGI Global. ISBN 9781799835134. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020 – via Google Books.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  183. ^ KHAJANE, MURALIDHARA (21 April 2016). "80 works, and there's more to him". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023.
  184. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (28 October 2015). "Rajkumar's life history, in a two-volume, 2,148-page book". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023.
  185. ^ "Photo show: Rajkumar statues dominate cityscape". 5 May 2023.
  186. ^ "Bengaluru: Urban architects document 700 city sculptures; actor Rajkumar's statues are the most common". 4 July 2023.
  187. ^ "The untold stories behind our sculptures". The Times of India. 19 May 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  188. ^ "Celebrating 90 years of Rajkumar: The Kannada Matinee Idol - INDIA New England News". Indianewengland.com. 25 March 2019. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  189. ^ "Kuwait: Magic of Dr Rajkumar Comes Alive at KKK Rajyotsava Celebrations". Daijiworld.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  190. ^ "Dr Raj's film sequence sets prelude to iconic Jawa's comeback". NewsKarnataka. 13 November 2018. Archived from the original on 7 June 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  191. ^ "Mahindra used na ninna mareyalare scenes for promotion | ಜಾವಾ ಹೊಸ ಬೈಕ್ ಪ್ರಚಾರ: ಈಗಲೂ ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರದ್ದೇ ಹವಾ..!". kannada.news18.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  192. ^ "The End of an Ideal". The Times of India. 15 December 2018. Archived from the original on 31 January 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  193. ^ "You can see Dr. Rajakumar in 72nd Republic day parade | ರಾಜಪಥದ ಪಥಸಂಚಲನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಚಲನ ಮೂಡಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ್!". zeenews.india.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  194. ^ "Team 'Daredevil Musthafa' To Release A Special Animation Song Tribute To Dr. Rajkumar — KSHVID". 4 October 2021. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  195. ^ "Record 8.34 lakh people flock to flower show, revenue touches Rs 3.33 crore - the New Indian Express". 7 August 2022. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  196. ^ "How Fernandes ran a high-voltage campaign for Chikkamagaluru bypoll". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  197. ^ This 'Sarkar', hardly rules Archived 24 June 2021 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (8 November 2018). Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  198. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (24 April 2019). "Remembering how Rajkumar kept away from politics". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  199. ^ "Rajkumar: Secret revealed, after 40 years: Why Rajkumar did not contest against Indira Gandhi in 1978 - Bangalore Mirror". Bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  200. ^ "Generations to Come Will Marvel at the Brilliance of Dr Rajkumar, the Ultimate Kannada Superstar". News18.com. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  201. ^ "100 Years of Indian Cinema:The Greatest Indian Actor Ever?". Pinkvilla.com. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  202. ^ "Padmabushana Dr. Rajkumar – The name will have a mesmerizing effect on several lakhs of Kannadigas who have grown with the aura and magical presence of Rajkumar in the field of Kannada Cinema and Culture. Online Bangaluru (Bengaluru)". Online Bangalore. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  203. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar | Personalities". Karnataka.com. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  204. ^ "Rajkumar was a great yogi, left his body eight times: Yoga teacher". newsable.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  205. ^ Yoga keeps Rajkumar going. The Times of India. 16 August 2000.
  206. ^ "Rajkumar's waist size was 32". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  207. ^ "Video: Dr Rajkumar inspires John Kokken to perform yoga". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  208. ^ Times of India – Gajanur awaits the return of the native. The Times of India. (12 November 2001).
  209. ^ "The man who changed Kannada cinema". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  210. ^ After losing breadwinners, these families struggle to eke out a decent living – KARNATAKA Archived 1 May 2023 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu (12 April 2007). Retrieved 12 November 2018.
  211. ^ "Mantralaya feels like home: Puneeth Rajkumar". NewsKarnataka. 3 March 2020. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  212. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (November 2018). "Ushering the era of historicals in Kannada cinema". The Hindu.
  213. ^ "He brought Kannadigas together". Rediff. Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  214. ^ "Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema Is That There Is No Golden Rule"". 29 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  215. ^ Tantry, Balaraj (8 September 2020). "ಹಲವಾರು ತೆಲುಗು ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಎಸ್ಪಿಬಿ ತೋರಿದ್ದ ಧನ್ಯತಾಭಾವ ಹೀಗಿತ್ತು!". kannada.filmibeat.com. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  216. ^ "'ಇಂದ್ರಜಿತ್ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಬರೀಷ್ ನನ್ ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿದ್ರು'-ಜೆ.ಜಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣ (ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಸ್ಟೋರಿ)-JG Krishna Life-Ep2 - YouTube". M.youtube.com. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  217. ^ "ವೇಶ್ಯಾವೃತ್ತಿಗೆ ಬಲವಂತವಾಗಿ ನೂಕಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಹೆಂಗಸರು, ಶೋಷಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಗೆ ಸೂರು ಒದಗಿಸಿದ್ದ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಕುಮಾರ್ ದಂಪತಿ". Vijaykarnataka.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  218. ^ "Why Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar and his family steered clear of politics". Thenewsminute.com. 2 November 2021. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  219. ^ "Eye Donation Bangalore India | Eye Bank Bangalore". Narayananethralaya.org. 14 September 2020. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  220. ^ "They will see through Rajkumar's eyes". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  221. ^ "How Fernandes ran a high-voltage campaign for Chikkamagaluru bypoll". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2019.
  222. ^ a b "Kannada actor Rajkumar honoured". Zee News. 10 July 2005. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  223. ^ a b "Rajkumar: Undisputed cult figure in Karnataka". outlookindia.com/. 2 August 2022. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  224. ^ "Dr Rajkumar facts | 10 interesting records of Dr Rajkumar that are not easy to break". Timesnownews.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  225. ^ State to recommend Raj for Bharat Ratna Archived 29 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Deccan Herald (25 April 2011).
  226. ^ "All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday". India Today. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  227. ^ "commission of Kentucky Colonel". commission of Kentucky Colonel. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  228. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar: The First Global Star From Kannada Industry". 8 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  229. ^ "Rajkumar". The Guardian. 17 April 2006. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  230. ^ Rai, Saritha (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  231. ^ "Indian Actor Raj Kumar Dies, Fans Riot". Eastbaytimes.com. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  232. ^ "India's Top Bandit Kidnaps Top Movie Star". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  233. ^ "India: Legendary Bandit Kicks up Political Storm". Ipsnews.net. 4 August 2000. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  234. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/04/13/raj-kumar/cfa37202-c9d5-4177-9ed0-9a870d746e4f/ [bare URL]
  235. ^ "Actor's Death Prompts Rioting in India". Npr.org. NPR. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  236. ^ "The film star and the bandit". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  237. ^ "Indians remember 'big brother' Rajkumar". Gulfnews.com. 14 April 2006. Archived from the original on 3 July 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  238. ^ "Indian actor Rajkumar dies at 77". BBC. 12 April 2006. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  239. ^ "Indian Actor Raj Kumar Dies of Heart Attack at 77". Voice of America. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  240. ^ "Notorious Indian bandit kidnaps film star Rajkumar". CNN. 31 July 2000. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  241. ^ "Chaos in Bangalore as fans mourn film star Rajkumar". The Independent. 14 April 2006. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  242. ^ "US Media lauded Dr. Rajkumar as India's most beloved stars".
  243. ^ "Book on Dr Rajkumar presented to British Library - Indian Express". Archive.indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  244. ^ "Ilayaraja, Ambarish, Krishna get NTR award". Hyderabad: The Hindu, Business Line. 30 August 2007. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  245. ^ "A stamp on movie icon Raj Kumar - The New Indian Express". Newindianexpress.com. 5 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  246. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar". Istampgallery.com. 3 June 2016. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  247. ^ "Rajkumar in Bangaarada Manushya". india.com. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  248. ^ "A golden era unfolds". The Deccan Chronicle. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  249. ^ "Rajkumar's 88th Birthday". Google.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  250. ^ Correspondent, Special (29 March 2016). "Rajkumar's biography wins Swarna Kamal". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2020. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  251. ^ "Legendary actor Rajkumar in Marathi textbooks. Peace offering?". newsable.asianetnews.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  252. ^ Staff Reporter (24 November 2014). "Lesson on Rajkumar in Maharashtra government Kannada textbook". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  253. ^ "Google honours veteran Kannada actor Rajkumar with a doodle on his 88th birth anniversary". The Indian Express. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  254. ^ "Govt of Karnataka Organizes 88th Birthday Anniversary of Karnataka Ratna Dr. Rajkumar | #HappyBirthdayDrRaj". Filmibee.in.[permanent dead link‍]
  255. ^ "Karnataka Government". Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  256. ^ "Karnataka Government". Karnataka.gov.in. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  257. ^ "Did you know? Dr. Rajkumar is the only actor to have won the very prestigious Karnataka Ratna award". The Times of India. 12 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  258. ^ HDMC did volte-face on renaming road: Vedike, The Times of India, 22 April 2011.
  259. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar - Annavru, Karnataka Ratna, Kentucky Colonel, Padma Bhushan, Nata Saarvabhouma". Shivu aDDa Forum - Kannada Movie Discussion. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  260. ^ No insult to Rajkumar, says CM. The Times of India. 9 January 1999
  261. ^ Hooli, Shekhar H. (2 January 2010). "Karnataka Govt to build Dr Vishnuvardhan film city". Filmibeat.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  262. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (13 April 2015). "Hundreds pay tribute to Rajkumar". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  263. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar's life is now a lesson in Karnataka". NewsKarnataka. Archived from the original on 27 June 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  264. ^ "Dr. Rajkumar Circle The moment you enter the garden you will be thrilled by the sculptures of Kannada film icon Dr. Rajkumar. The great person and legendary soul of Karnataka Dr. Rajkumar whose different filmy scenes are depicted through sculptures on high land which gives festive pleasure to you. - Photo de Utsav Rock Garden, Gotagodi - Tripadvisor". fr.tripadvisor.be. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  265. ^ "Lalbagh flower show from Aug 5 themed after Dr Rajkumar and son Puneeth". 4 August 2022. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  266. ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar remembered at Lalbagh Flower Show". The Times of India. 12 August 2022. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  267. ^ a b Rajkumar (Best Actor Akasmika). 41st Annual Filmfare Awards
  268. ^ "21st Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners". 6 August 2024.
  269. ^ Reed, Sir Stanley (8 August 1974). "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". Times of India Press – via Google Books.
  270. ^ "Collections". Update Video Publication. 8 August 1991 – via Google Books.
  271. ^ "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". 8 August 1983. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020 – via Google Books.
  272. ^ "Collections". Update Video Publication. 8 August 1991. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2020 – via Google Books.
  273. ^ "29th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners". 19 July 2024.
  274. ^ "The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who". 8 August 1983. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2020 – via Google Books.
  275. ^ "33rd Annual Filmfare Awards South". 17 November 2023.
  276. ^ "34th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners". 28 May 2017. Archived from the original on 28 May 2017 – via Internet Archive.
  277. ^ "Listing". archive.org. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  278. ^ "Annavru Rajkumar comes alive on Hampi chariot". 4 January 2013.
  279. ^ "Dr Rajkumar gold and silver coins to be out on Karnataka Rajyotsava". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  280. ^ "Gold, silver coins to honour Dr Raj". Deccan Herald. 17 October 2020. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  281. ^ Awards. "Sarthaka Suvarna – Honor To Rajkumar". Chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  282. ^ "Book on Rajkumar to be released in New Jersey". The Hindu. 2 May 2008. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dr._Rajkumar&oldid=1259305391"