State to recommend Raj for Bharat Ratna

Reacting to his party MP Ananth Kumar's request during the 83rd birth anniversary celebrations of  Rajkumar at Ravindra Kalakshetra here, the Chief Minister said Rajkumar was “most eligible” for the highest civilian honour. The State government would make a formal proposal to the Centre in this regard, he added.

The State government instituted an award in the actor's name. Rajkumar laid a solid foundation for the development of Kannada filmdom. He contributed to the development of Kannada language and culture, he said.

The government had solved most of the problems faced by the Kannada film industry. The government was committed to solve the remaining problems, he promised.

Kannada playwright Chandrashekhar Kambar said Rajkumar was a man of miracles. He came from a backward community and acted in films which could be watched by the whole  family. He never acted in movies of other languages except Kannada. “He represented Kannada. He acted in many movies without taking remuneration. He donated money voluntarily to Savalgimath in Belgaum district,” he added.

Home Minister R Ashok said Rajkumar never nursed political ambitions.