It is exactly 10 years ago that Karnataka lost one of its most popular personalities who strode like a colossus in the minds of its people. Even today, a decade later, the memory and influence of the personality is still there. Dr Rajkumar may not be physically present among us today, but the legacy he left behind, the cultural impact he had on the Kannadigas and the influence of his character can be experienced even today and there is no doubt in the coming many years.

On the other hand, Dr Rajkumar's absence is felt severely by the film industry. His leadership was unassuming but effective. He was not an elected leader of the film industry but everyone would accept his wisdom and he was the last resort for any big problem. One word from him and everyone would follow it like a command. That is the kind of respect he had. But today, the film industry finds itself like a lost kid. Be it any issue or any other demand it has from the government or anyone else, it has to plead. So everyone says, "If only Rajkumar was alive," because if he had asked for anything to be done, it would be done.

When people still talk about Rajkumar, it is not the statistics that matter. No doubt they are impressive; an active film career of 50 years, over 200 films as an actor, hundreds of songs as a singer, dozens of titles, scores of national, state and important awards... All these only give only a small glimpse of the real personality. Why people adore him and call him Annavru with affection is because of the divinity he exuded. When he played a god in films, people worshipped him as a real god. When he made a statement in a film, people actually followed it. The best examples are how city people took to farming after the film Bangarada Manushya and gave up drinking after watching Jeevana Chaitra. 

Rajkumar's simplicity is another virtue that Kannadigas are proud of. They are also proud of the fact that he did not utilise his popularity to become a politician. Even years after his death, he remains their favourite King. Long live Rajkumar. 

Also See

Rajkumar Profile

Rajkumar Book Released

Rajkumar Accidents - Exclusive

Dr Rajkumar Memory

Rajkumar Film List And Awards

Rajkumar Abduction - Released from Veerappan

Live and Let Live - Rajkumar

Rajkumar Statue AT KFCC

Rajkumar Hotel Inaugurated

Wanted My Sons As Doctors - Rajkumar

History 50 - Rajkumar's 100th Film in 1968

History 40 - Rajkumar Turns Producer

The new film of Shivanna, Bangara, S/o Bangarada Manushya starts next week. The muharat of the film will be held on next Friday 15th January 2016. The date was finalised on Saturday after Shivanna had a meeting with producers Jayanna and Bhogendra.

The film is directed by Yogi G Raj under Jayanna Combines banner. Since it is auspicious Sankranti, the muharata will be held that day. However shooting will commence once Shivanna completes shooting for Srikanta which is expected in 3-4 weeks.

Meanwhile Shivanna's Killing Veerappan is doing great business at box office. Shivalinga and Santa Kabir will release in the next couple of months.

ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ವಾಟಾಳ್ ನಾಗರಾಜ್ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಈಗಿನವರಿಗೆ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ತಿಳಿದಿಲ್ಲ. ವರನಟ ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅಭಿನಯದ ಚಿತ್ರ ಬಂಗಾರದ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಥಿಯೇಟರ್ ನವರಿಂದ ಗಲಾಟೆಯಾಯಿತು. ಕಾರಣವೇನು? ಹೆಸರಾಂತ ಕಲಾವಿದರೆಲ್ಲ ಸೇರಿ ರಸಮಂಚರಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ಕೊಟ್ಟಾಗ ಮೇನಕ ಪತ್ರಕೆ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದೇನು ಮತ್ತು ಆ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾ ಕಛೇರಿ ಧ್ವಂಸವಾಗಿದ್ದೇಕೆ? ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ ವಾಟಾಳ್ ನಾಗರಾಜ್...