Homage to the legendary

Everyone knows that the post demise incident of Dr. Rajkumar is not something that leaves good taste among the fans or the citizens. It was a pitiful fate that deprived his family members from peacefully expressing their emotions. Sadly, his eldest son Shivarajkumar had to go to 'samaadhi' at 10.30 in the night on that day to complete the final rites! Despite of all these chaos, Raj family is not blaming anyone. It is their greatness and that is the way the legendary has influenced his family. All three sons of Rajkumar - Shivarajkumar, Raghavendra and Puneet visited all the hospitals where the victims were being treated and consoled them. Shivarajkumar yesterday requested the government to release those who are in jail on the charges of funeral crisis. He has decided to give Rs. 50,000 to the family who lost their family members in the violence.

As we often say, Rajkumar was more than an actor but a phenomenon. We can't forget his contribution in creating a niche for Kannada and Karnataka on national and international map. Many celebrities and veterans across the country were badly hurt by the news of Rajkumar's death and they came here to pay their last homage. People like Chiranjeevi visited Dr. Raj's place the next day who could not make it for the funeral as he was out of country. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce held a condolence meeting yesterday (April 19). The Kannada film fraternity gathered in full strength for the Nudi Namana at National College Grounds in Bangalore to remember the departed actor and his contributions to Kannada and the State's culture. It kicked off with Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy unveiling a bronze bust and a portrait of the actor in the presence of thousands of his fans and media. Kumarswamy made it a point to reiterate the fact by saying "The values followed by him (Rajkumar) should be followed by everyone. That is the only way to show respect and love to him." KFCC president Gangaraju urged the State government to propose Rajkumar's name for Bharat Ratna. Noted playwright Girish Karnad said retrospective of Rajkumar films means the retrospective of Kannada itself. Because he entered the industry when Karnataka was formed and reached the nook and the corner of Karnataka to spread 'Kannadabhimana'. "Books and literatures will influence only educated people who can read them. But Rajkumar's films helped to spread this even among the illiterates. His films were not only for entertainment. Many people followed the values and the ethics what he followed in his films" said Karnad. Concert by Gurukiran featuring old hits of the legendary actor and 'Kannadave Sathya' by Ashwath was part of the event.

:: Aftermath ::
Dr. Rajkumar is no less than god to millions. And his 'samaadhi' taking shape of a temple is no surprise! If you pass by, you will see the atmosphere of a temple around Kanteerava Studio now. You will see several people selling flowers, banana and coconut in the premises. What's more, there are people to take care of your footwear like in temples! For fans and followers who want to pay their tribute, it is helpful but if people look at it from commercial angle, and as an opportunity to make quick bucks, it's highly regretful. It is very important for people to follow the simplicity and values followed by the legendary.

It's worth talking about a hardcore Rajkumar fan - Mr. Yatiraj who is an actor and a journalist. He is voluntarily warding Raj's 'samaadhi' from 6 am till 11 pm everyday so that people visiting the place are not damaging and spoiling the place! What a great way to pay tribute to his idol. "Crowd will comedown gradually. I'll continue till the situation becomes normal" says this ideal fan!