JOIN USOf a man and his journey
There have been a lot of people who have made a difference to Shivarajkumar’s life, both professionally and personally.
After having completed 25 years in the film industry, Shivanna didn’t forget to set apart a day to honour and recognise those who’ve been instrumental in travelling with him thus far. Shivarajkumar honoured directors, producers, musicians, technicians and co-stars in the industry at an event held recently.
The event had the who’s who of the Kannada film industry turn up in full strength. They were all his well wishers, both on and off screen. There were no long speeches at the function. Shivanna too let all his gestures do the talking.
The awardees chose to talk about Shivanna and their experience of working with him. Those who spoke after receiving the award said that they were fortunate to have worked with a simple and talented man like Shivarajkumar. Prem, who is directing Shivanna’s 100th movie Jogaiah, said that Shivanna was more than a brother to him.
“Even after completing 25 years in the industry and having worked in 100 movies, Shivanna has the same passion and commitment towards the art. Above all, he’s a simple man just like his father,” said Prem.
Geetha, Shivarajkumar’s wife, was overwhelmed by the tremendous response they had received from the Kannada film industry. “There were so many friends from the Tamil and Kannada film industries who came down to wish Shivanna. It was a reunion of sorts because we met old friends and it was an occasion to get together and recall the good old days,” she said.
Priyanka Upendra and Upendra were there too. However, they left before the function ended. Priyanka said that they were close family friends with Shivanna and Puneeth Rajkumar.
“We get together at parties and often visit each other. I have had the opportunity to work with Shivanna and I must say that he is a great co star and a wonderful person. He treats the senior and junior artistes alike and that’s a rarity,” she said. Among prominent people who were present were Singeetham Srinivas Rao, who directed Shivanna’s first movie ‘Anand’ and had come all the way from Chennai. M S Rajashekar, who has directed most of Shivanna’s movies, was also present.