An unbeaten saga of legendary actor, singer Dr. Rajkumar

It was almost 52 years ago when Mutturaj became Rajkumar. It was on May 7th, 1954 his very first film Bedara Kannappa was released. It's his dedication, hard work and love for this soil that made Rajkumar as 'Annavru' of Karnataka.

Dr. Rajkumar

Rajkumar was born on April 24, 1928 in Gajanur, Chamrajnagar for Laxmamma and Singanallooru Puttaswamayya couple. His father was a professional dram artist. He was with Gubbi Veeranna drama troupe and handling major roles. Slowly Rajkumar followed his father's footstep and started learning classical music, as it was essential for a drama artist. Rajkumar worked with Gubbi Veeranna drama troupe for almost 25 years as a lead actor. It was a turning point for him when he got an offer from M.V.M and Karnataka Films for their collaboration film Bedara Kannapa. Rajkumar got a letter for audition to play the role of 'Dinna'. And the same Dinna became 'Kannadada Kanmani'. Dr. Raj will forever be the uncrowned king of Kannada filmdom and ambassador for Kannada culture in and outside of Karnataka.

Most of his films were based on middleclass family sentiments. As he himself hailed from that background, he could easily and effectively adapt their emotions, happiness and all their feelings. He was an actor who used to get under the skin of his characters so effortlessly. Dr. Raj enthralled the filmgoers with 205 films. He never restrained to any particular mannerism or roles. From Bedara Kannappa to James Bonds, he touched anything and everything from mythological to historical films to family sentiment films as angry anti-hero to comic hero to tragic hero to villain. Most of his films carried very strong social messages and were based on moral ethics. With his supreme acting capabilities he influenced many people and they have tried to live like him. He always raised his voice when Kannadambe was in trouble. Gokak Chaluvali is one such example.

Rajkumar in film Bedara Kannappa

Winner of countless awards and accolades Dr. Rajkumar received State Award 9 times. He got Best Singer National Award for the song sung in Jeevana Chaitra. He also received prestigious awards like Nadoja, Padmabhooshana, Karnataka Rathna, Dadaasaheb Palke Award, Gubbiveeranna Award and many more. He was the first and last person to receive Gubbi Veeranna Award. Karnataka Government later changed that award as Dr. Rajkumar award and it's a great honor by itself. His fans gave him countless titles from Bedara Kannappa to Shabhdavedi - Vara Nata, Nata Sarvabhouma, Gana Kogile, Gana Gandharva, Rasika Raja, Nata Rathnakara and the list never ends.

This priceless asset of Kannada never acted in other language films. This shows his love for his homeland. This legendary Dr. Raj never expected people to honor him and never expected anything from the industry in return. He worshipped his profession and dedicated his life for the same.