Dr. Rajkumar
Rajkumar | |
---|---|
Bust of Rajkumar in Jayanagar, Bangalore | |
Born | Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju 24 April 1929 |
Died | 12 April 2006 | (aged 76)
Monuments | Kanteerava Studios |
Other names | Appaji, Annavru |
Occupation(s) | Actor, Singer |
Years active | 1954–2005 |
Movement | Gokak agitation[1] |
Spouse | |
Children | 5, including Shiva, Raghavendra, Puneeth |
Relatives | see Rajkumar family |
Awards | Padma Bhushan (1983), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1995) |
Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006),[2] known mononymously by his stage name Rajkumar, was an Indian actor and singer in the Kannada cinema. Widely acclaimed as one of the finest actors in the history of Indian Cinema, he is considered a cultural icon, and holds a matinée idol status in the Kannada diaspora,[3][4] among who, he is popularly adulated as Nata Saarvabhouma (Emperor of Actors), Bangarada Manushya (Man of Gold), Vara Nata (Gifted Actor) and Rajanna (Brother Raj).[5][6]
A method actor, 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, and got his first break as a lead in the 1954 film Bedara Kannappa.[6] He went on to work in over 220 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) and Babruvahana (1977) and Bhakta Prahlada (1983).[7] Trained in classical music during his theatre days, Rajkumar also became an accomplished singer in Kannada cinema, in which, he came to be known for his diction in the language. He mostly sang for his own films since 1974. The songs "Yaare Koogadali", "Huttidare Kannada", "Hey Dinakara" and "Naadamaya" became widely popular. For his rendition of the latter song, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. 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 farm house at Gajanur by Veerappan and was released after 108 days.[8] His final screen appearance came in Jogi in 2005. He died of cardiac arrest at his residence in Bangalore on 12 April 2006 at the age of 77.[9]
In his film career, Rajkumar received eleven Karnataka State Film Awards, ten South Filmfare Awards, one National Film Award.[10] He received the NTR National Award in 2002. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore,[11] and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan[12] in 1983 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995 for the lifetime contribution to Indian Cinema.[13]
Early life
Rajkumar was born on 24 April 1929 in Gajanur, a hamlet in a predominantly Kannada-speaking Talavadi taluk in the erstwhile Madras Presidency (in present-day Erode district, Tamil Nadu). His father, Puttaswamayya and mother, Lakshmamma were impoverished theatre artists from Singanallur.[6] Puttaswamayya was good at playing roles like Kamsa, Ravana and Hiranyakashipu. Rajkumar left school at eight and was later discovered by film producers, who cast him in bit roles that he played till he was 25.[6] Originally, he was named Mutturaja, after the Muthaththii 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.[5]
Before acting in what would become his first film as a lead, Bedara Kannappa in 1954, he appeared in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana in 1952, as one of the seven Saptarishi (sages). It was an insignificant role, he remembered the scene was over before he recognized himself in the scene.
Career
As actor
Rajkumar started his career with his father in a troupe led by Gubbi Veeranna.[14] In 1953, he was spotted by film director H. L. N. Simha who was on lookout for well-built, pleasant-faced Bedara Kannappa.[4] Simha eventually signed him for the film and christened him "Rajkumar".[14]
He acted only in Kannada apart from Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam in Telugu, a remake of Bedara Kannappa.[15] He acted in 206 movies, excluding his guest appearance.[16] He owned production company called Vajreshwari Production under banner Dakshayani Combines. Bhaagyada Baagilu was his 100th film,[17] Devataa Manushya was 200th film, and Shabdavedhi was last film.[18]
His character depictions ranged from love to double and triple roles, from action and mythological characters to portrayals of contemporary social causes in spanning over five decades.[6] Rajkumar along with his contemporaries Udaya Kumar and Kalyan Kumar were "Kumara Thrayaru" of the Kannada cinema. He acted in 36 films with Udaya Kumar and in 5 films with Kalyan Kumar.[19] The films presented a populist version of Karnataka's history, focusing on the southern kingdoms from the Vijayanagara Empire and later to the intrigue and mystery of the Mysore royalty.[20]
He made historical movies like Ranadheera Kanteerava, Kaviratna Kalidasa. He made movies from Kannada novels and made movies against perceived social evils like Shabdavedhi on drug abuse.[21] He acted with heroines of southern cinema such as Jayanti (36 films),[22] Pandaribai (18 films), Leelavathi (28 films), Bharati (28 films), Kalpana (19 films), Aarathi (13 films), B. Saroja Devi (10 films), Harini (11 films), Krishna Kumari (8 films), Madhavi (6 films), Manjula (7 films), Jayamala (6 films), Lakshmi (5 films), Geetha (5 films), Saritha (5 films), Jayaprada (4 films).[23] Bollywood actress Rekha made her debut in Operation Jackpotnalli CID 999 with him. He acted for south Indian directors from B.R. Pantulu and Puttanna Kanagal to Shankar Nag and T. S. Nagabharana. Chi. Udaya Shankar has written dialogues and songs for his 85 movies.
Rajkumar is the first Indian artist to enact a role of James Bond in Jedara Bale.[24] Later, in Operation Jackpotnalli CID 999, Goadalli CID 999, and Operation Diamond Racket where he played roles chronicling the adventures of Prakash aka Agent CID 999, a James Bondesque superspy.[25] Much of these films was made from the directors pair of Dorai and Bhagwan who began making spy flicks relatively later in their career, including Operation Diamond Racket.[26]
As singer
Rajkumar trained in classical music when he was with Gubbi Veeranna's theatre troupe.[27] The song "Om Namaha Shivaya" from the 1956 film Ohileshwara, that he also starred in, was his first in a film. He subsequently sang "Thumbithu Manava" for Mahishasura Mardini (1959). However, he became a full-fledged singer only in 1974 when he sung in place of P. B. Sreenivas for Sampathige Savaal,[5] who had till then sung for most songs picturised on Rajkumar, fell ill. Rajkumar sang the "energetic" song "Yaare Koogadali" for the film which became widely popular during the time and is considered one of his best songs.[28]
Rajkumar has been credited for having sung songs of 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 scene and the latter when there is "love, but a discord" in the scene.[27] He is known widely for his rendition of "Nadamaya" for Jeevana Chaitra (1992), a song based on 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.[29] 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), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982).[30]
Rajkumar has sung and enacted for songs about Kannadigas, Kannada language and culture, such as "Jenina Holeyo" from Chalisuva Modagalu, "Maanavanagi Huttidmele" from Jeevana chaitra and "Huttidare Kannada Naadal Huttabeku" from the film Aakasmika. He sang a complete English song called "If You Come Today" ("Tick Tick Tick") in one of his Bond films – Operation Diamond Racket in 1978. This song became an internet meme in India following Rajkumar's demise in 2006.[26]
In later years, he lent his voice to few actors and sang background solos. For the song Kannappa Kottanu,[31] from Muddina Maava he provided playback to S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.[32] This was a rare occasion. He sang Kalidasa shlokas like "Maanikya Veena" and ghazal based songs like "Sadaa Kannale", "Kanneera Dhaare" and "Yaava Kaviyu".
Devotional songs
Rajkumar recorded many devotional songs beginning 1970s for Columbia Recording Company starting with "Mantralayakke Hogona" in 1972. His widely popular LP record "Guruvara Bantamma" was also recorded during the time.[33] In 1979, Sangeetha Cassettes became India's first licensed pre-recorded cassettes. Rajkumar sang for the record producers devotional songs glorifying the saint Raghavendra and the Hindu deity Hanuman.[33][34]
Personal life
Family
Rajkumar married a 14-year-old Parvathamma Gowda, his cousin, on 25 June 1953 in Nanjangud.[35] It went ahead in accordance to the agreement that their fathers made following the latter's birth. Together, they had five children; sons Shiva, Raghavendra and Puneeth, and daughters Lakshmi and Poornima. Having lived a "hand to mouth existence" post 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.[36]
Abduction
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 (Erode district of Tamil Nadu). 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.[37] A Special Task Force (STF) set up to capture Veerapan had earlier warned Rajkumar against visiting the farmhouse, but his son Raghavendra later acknowledged that his father had not taken the threat seriously.[38]
After a total of 108 days in captivity, Rajkumar was released unharmed on 15 November 2000. His abduction and the manner in which his release was secured are a mystery.[8][34][39]
Death and memorial
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 was pronounced dead at 2:05 pm (IST).[40]
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).[41] Around two million people followed his remains.[9] However, the entire cortège was marked with violence with mourners attacking public property and police, who resorted to lathicharge and tear gas.[42] 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 honors 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.[41] His eyes were donated to two visually impaired persons the same day.[43]
On 19 April, the government of Karnataka announced that a memorial would be made in Rajkumar's honor at Kanteerava Studios in association with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce at the cost ₹100 million.[44] The blueprint of the memorial was constituted by a panel comprising members of Rajkumar's family, representatives of the Kannada film industry and the state government.[45] After 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.[46] 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.[47]
Personality
Rajkumar was best regarded[by whom?] for being a highly disciplined man in both his personal and professional lives.[48] He practised Carnatic music for an hour each in the morning and in the evening. 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. His Yoga performances can be seen in the first clips of his film Kaamana Billu.[49] Rajkumar is the first actor of the world cinema who had mastered Yoga.
He shunned smoking and drinking both on screen and off.[6] 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.[4] His dress code always consisted of simple white dhoti and shirt. He spent most of his vacations in his hometown, Gajanur, near the forest area where he was later abducted.[50]
He estimated producers as "Anna Daataru" (food providers) and adored fans as "Abhimaani Devarugalu"(Fan Gods).[citation needed]
He was a devotee of Raghavendra Swami.[citation needed]
Kannada language movement
Although Rajkumar rejected numerous offers[citation needed] to don the political mantle, he was able to influence the State's political fortunes without ever being officially in politics. However, his apolitical outlook did not prevent him from protecting and espousing the cause of Kannada and Karnataka.[4] He had time and again advocated the cause of seeking primacy to Kannada,[51] and hence was asked to lead a movement about making 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 took a rally from Belagavi to Bengaluru and gave speeches about the importance of Kannada. Millions of people gathered only to have a glimpse of Rajkumar and listen to his speech. The movement became such a rage that the government relented and made Kannada a compulsory language of education in Karnataka.[4]
Awards and honours
Rajkumar was awarded numerous State,National & 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 honored by a famous Kentucky colonel award by the then-governor of Kentucky, United States. By this he became the only Indian actor to receive this prestigious from the Kentucky state, United States of America. In 1995 he received the prestigious 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 is recommending Rajkumar for a Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.[52]
National Film Awards
- 1963 – President Medal Best Actor for the movie Santa Thukarama
- 1992 – Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Naadamaya Ee Lokavella" from the movie Jeevana Chaitra[10]
- 1995 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- 2002 – NTR National Award [53]
Filmfare Awards South
Rajkumar holds the record of winning ten South Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category in Kannada cinema.[22][54][55] Some of the films for which he received Best Actor awards include:
- Gandhada Gudi in 1973[56]
- Mayura in 1975[56]
- Shankar Guru in 1978[56]
- Keralida Simha in 1981
- Shravana Banthu – 1984
- Adhe Kannu – 1985
- Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma – 1986
- Aakasmika in 1993
Total of 10 filmfare awards for best actor category.
Karnataka State Film Awards
- Rajkumar has won 13 Karnataka State Film Awards (9 for best actor, 2 for best singer, 1 lifetime achievement)
Best Actor:
- 1967–68 – Bangaarada Hoovu
- 1970–71 – Kula Gourava
- 1974–75 – Bhakta Kumbara
- 1976–77 – Babruvaahana
- 1981–82 – Hosa Belaku
- 1982–83 – Haalu Jenu
- 1988–89 – Devatha Manushya
- 1992–93 – Jeevana Chaitra
- 1993–94 – Odahuttidavaru
Best Singer:
- 1993–94 -Aakasmika – Huttidare Kannada Naadal Huttabeku
- 1994–95 – Thayi Illada Thavaru – Arishina kunkuma
Other Awards and Honours
- An honorary Doctorate from the Mysore University in 1976.[11]
- Postal Stamps and Gold coins having the actor's face were issued in 2009 by Central Government of India.
- More than 1100 statues of Rajkumar are placed in Karnataka. A statue in the Mayura touch placed in Basaveshwaranagar worth 10 million rupees.
- The Nadoja Award, an honorary Doctorate from Hampi University in 1999.[57]
- Nine Karnataka State Film Awards in the Best Actor category.[55]
- Two Karnataka State Film Awards in the Best Male Playback Singer category.[58]
- Padma Bhushan in 1983.[12]
- Karnataka Ratna in 1992 and Title: Nata Saarvabhouma in 1967 from the Government of Karnataka.[59]
- Kentucky colonel, an honorary order from the governor of Kentucky, United States in 1985.[11]
- "Vishwa Maanava" named by Kannada poet Kuvempu.
- Etv Kannadiga of the Year Award in 2003.
- A 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) road is named Dr. Rajkumar road.[60] The road stretches from government soap factory in Yeshwanthpur to Prasanna theater, Magadi road in Bangalore.
- On the occasion of Rajkumar's 88th Birth Anniversary, on 24 April 2017, Google India dedicated a Google Doodle to honor Dr. Rajkumar[61]
Sarthaka Suvarna
On July 2005, government of Karnataka captioned by N. Dharam Singh, the Chief Minister of Karnataka conducted a felicitation ceremony for honoring Rajkumar for his (50 years of) services 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 as an official celebration of Golden Jubilee of Rajkumar's works and services to Kannada film industry.[62]
See also
References
- ^ "Economic and Political Weekly – Rajkumar and Kannada Nationalism" (PDF). Bangalorenotes.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ Singh, Kuldip (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar — Demigod of southern Indian film". The Independent. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
- ^ Katakam, Anupama (8 December 2000). "The eternal Kannada icon". Frontline. Bangalore.
- ^ a b c d e Sharma, Ravi (5 May 2006). "Pride of Kannada". Frontline. Bangalore.
- ^ a b c "Nata Saarvabhouma Dr Rajkumar no more". Deccan Herald. 12 April 2006.
- ^ a b c d e f "Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema". Rediff.com. 12 April 2006. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ a b Times of India – Total recall of 109 days of kidnap drama. The Times of India.indiatimes.com (29 July 2001).
- ^ a b Deccan Herald News Service – Eight deaths and a funeral. Deccan Herald. (14 April 2006).
- ^ a b "40th National Film Festival" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. dff.nic.in. pp. 49–50. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
- ^ a b c "Dr Raj kumar awards - NewKannada.Com". 6 October 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ 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.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners". Film Federation of India. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
- ^ a b "Dr. Raj Kumar | Gubbi Karnataka Films | Bedara Kannappa | Shabda vedhi | ನಟಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮ 'ರಾಜ್' ಐದನೇ ಪುಣ್ಯತಿಥಿ". Kannada.webdunia.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ [1] Also in Tamil VEDAN KANNAPPA" A remake of Bedara Kannappa Archived 1 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Seetalabavi, Editors; P. Nayak, M. Swarnasetu 2014: ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ KKNC Annual Publication (in Kannada). RG Kannada e-Publisher. p. 44.
{{cite book}}
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has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Swept away by the wave". The Hindu. 21 April 2006. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "S Narayan directed Rajkumar's last film - Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ [2] Archived 15 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "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.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ In ‘Shabdavedi’ Dr Rajkumar waged a war against drug menace. Supergoodmovies.com (6 June 2011).
- ^ a b "The man who changed Kannada cinema". Rediff.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ Rajkumar Filmography. Rajkumarmemorial.com.
- ^ Vijayasarathy, R.G. (17 April 2006). "The best of Dr Rajkumar". Rediff India Abroad. Retrieved 25 September 2007.
- ^ Shivaraj Kumar to play James Bond in Operation Golden Gang. Entertainment.oneindia.in (20 July 2010).
- ^ a b Balakrishnan, Ravi. (10 May 2008) Economic Times – The name is Kumar, Raj Kumar. The Economic Times.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Ramakrishna, S. R. "Rajkumar's rich musicscape". themusicmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2000. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
{{cite web}}
:|archive-date=
/|archive-url=
timestamp mismatch; 23 August 2000 suggested (help) - ^ "40th National Film Awards" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ Ganesh, Deepa (21 April 2017). "He captured the drama in the song". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ Video on YouTube
- ^ "Songs sung by Dr.Rajkumar | Dr. Rajkumar". Annavaru. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Govind, Ranjani (2 May 2014). "The saga of a pioneer". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ 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.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ 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.
- ^ Ganesh, Deepa (24 December 2010). "Love is life". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
- ^ "TN's failure on Rajkumar's security unpardonable -- SC". The Indian Express. 20 October 2000.
- ^ Veerappan's prize catch. The Hindu (20 December 1998).
- ^ "The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar". rediff.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Kannada actor Rajkumar dies of heart attack". The Times of India. 13 April 2006. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Rajkumar fans turn violent in Bangalore". Press Trust of India. Hindustan Times. 13 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Rajkumar's eyes grafted to two visually impaired". Press Trust of India. The Times of India. 13 April 2006. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Rajkumar Memorial to cost Rs10 Crore". indiaglitz.com. 20 April 2006. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Dr. Rajkumar Memorial". Kanteerava Studios. kanteeravastudios.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Dr Rajakumar Calender Continues". supergoodmovies.com. 5 January 2012. Archived from the original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "Padmabushana Dr. Rajkumar – The name will have a mesmerizing effect on several lacks 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. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ [3] Archived 6 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Times of India – Gajanur awaits the return of the native. The Times of India.indiatimes.com (12 November 2001).
- ^ Outlook (Press Trust of India) – Rajkumar: Undisputed cult figure in Karnataka. News.outlookindia.com.
- ^ State to recommend Raj for Bharat Ratna. Deccan Herald (25 April 2011).
- ^ "Ilayaraja, Ambarish, Krishna get NTR award". Hyderabad: The Hindu, Business Line. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ^ Template:Kn icon Tantri, Balaraj. (5 June 2015) ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಫಿಲಂಫೇರ್ : ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗೆ ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಪೈಪೋಟಿ | 62nd Filmfare South 2014 award: Kannada nominations list. Kannada Filmibeat. Retrieved on 2016-10-01.
- ^ a b "A requiem for Dr. Rajkumar – Times Of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
- ^ a b c The Times of India directory and year book including who's who. The Times of India. 1984. p. 235.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Dr Rajkumar : Kannada Actor| Singer Movies, Biography, Pictures". chiloka.com.
- ^ "Govt Of Karnataka Organizes 88th Birthday Anniversary Of Karnataka Ratna Dr. Rajkumar | #HappyBirthdayDrRaj". www.filmibee.in.
- ^ HDMC did volte-face on renaming road: Vedike, The Times of India, 22 April 2011.
- ^ "Google honours veteran Kannada actor Rajkumar with a doodle on his 88th birth anniversary". The Indian Express. 24 April 2017.
- ^ Awards . "Sarthaka Suvarna – Honor To Rajkumar – chitraloka.com | Kannada Movies | Latest Kannada Film News, Reviews | Stills, Images, Actress, Actors, Pictures". chitraloka.com. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Rajkumar at IMDb
- Farewell, Dr Rajkumar Rediff.com
- 1929 births
- 2006 deaths
- Male actors in Kannada cinema
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients
- Filmfare Awards South winners
- Indian male film actors
- Kannada male actors
- Kannada playback singers
- Kidnappings in India
- National Film Award (India) winners
- Male actors from Bangalore
- Male actors from Tamil Nadu
- Recipients of the Karnataka Ratna
- Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts
- Kidnapped Indian people
- Singers from Bangalore
- 20th-century Indian singers
- Indian male film singers
- People from Erode district
- Organ transplant donors