The Hindu Business Line : Actor Rajkumar dead

The thespian actor had a career spanning nearly six decades and 205 films. Born on April 24, 1929, in Gajanur on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, S.P. Muthuraj became Rajkumar for his first film Bedara Kannappa (1954).

From then, there was no looking back and Rajkumar, with his youthful good looks, crisp dialogues and love for Kannada, went on to become the colossus of Kannada celluloid.He enjoyed enormous goodwill in the State, was affectionately called Annaavru (big brother), crowned with the title Nata-Saarvabhowma (emperor of acting); adorned with an honorary doctorate of the Mysore University in 1976; showered with honours and awards including the Padma Bhushan; the State's first Karnataka Ratna, besides 10 Filmfare awards.

Rajkumar was admired for his humility and the human values that he espoused in his films, most of them mega hits. The versatile actor essayed a range of roles as a romantic hero, a historical figure, saint, mythological figure, a rustic to a James Bond; in later years he sang his own songs and brought out several non-film audio cassettes.

In July 2000, he was abducted by the forest brigand Veerappan and was released after 109 days of captivity.

Rajkumar's health started failing after his release. Last month, he was briefly hospitalised for bronchial problems.

He had stopped acting seven years ago after Shabdavedhi but wanted to return with a lifetime's dream film on saint-king Ambareesha, but that was never to be.

Rajkumar is survived by wife Parvathamma, two daughters and three sons — Shiv Rajkumar, Raghavendra and Puneeth.

More Stories on : People | Cinema | Karnataka

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Documentary on Lalgudi Jayaraman

Sudoku

Animation film `Lava-Kusa'

Actor Rajkumar dead

IT cos may declare holiday today