Fans, family pay emotional tribute to ‘Annavru’ on 97th birth anniversary

Bengaluru: A sea of ardent fans, and the sounds of iconic Kannada melodies filled the air at the Kanteerava Studio premises on Friday, as the state celebrated the 97th birth anniversary of the legendary matinee idol Dr Rajkumar.

The Department of Information and Public Relations organised a formal ceremony at Dr Rajkumar Punyabhoomi, where family members, politicians and Sandalwood celebrities gathered to pay homage to the legend. Fans from across the state travelled to the city to pay their respects at the memorial, which was decorated with flowers.

Dr Rajkumar’s son Raghavendra Rajkumar and his wife performed a special pua at the memorial. Speaking to the media, family members and close associates recalled the simplicity that defined the superstar despite his towering fame. “His popularity grew, but his simplicity grew faster,” noted a fan Raju. “Whether it was a major event or a small gathering, he was always seen in his trademark white shirt and dhoti. He wasn’t just an actor, he was the soul of Karnataka.”

Music director and actor Sadhu Kokila highlighting Dr Rajkumar’s immense contribution to both cinema and social causes said, “He was a master of Carnatic, Hindustani and even Ghazals. I witnessed him record ‘Manikyaveena’ a complex Raga Malika featuring nine different ragas in a single take. His technical knowledge was so sharp he could pinpoint a single wrong note in a 3,000-member hall.”

Kokila lamented the current state of the Kannada film industry, stating, “Today, we feel like orphans. We have lost our leader, our father figure, and our guide. There will never be another like him.” The event highlighted how Dr Rajkumar’s films - ‘Gandhada Gudi’ and ‘Bangarada Manushya’ were instrumental in promoting forest conservation and inspiring youth to return to agriculture, respectively. His pivotal role in the Gokak Movement was also recalled as a defining moment for the Kannada language.

Actor-producer Raghavendra Rajkumar pays floral tributes at Dr Rajkumar memorial during the 97th birth anniversary of his father-thespian Dr Rajkumar on Kanteerava Studio premises in Bengaluru on Friday. MLA Gopalaiah is also seen. DH Photos/B K Janardhan

The Punyabhoomi remained crowded throughout the day, with fans of all ages braving the heat. For many, the memorial has become a temple rather than a resting place. “Even if the world ends, the legacy of Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar will remain rooted in this soil,” said a long-time fan. “He taught us how to live, how to love our language, and how to respect every human being, no matter how small.”