ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳನ್ನು ದೇವರೆಂದು ಕರೆದು ಹೃದಯದಲ್ಲಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡವರು ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್. ಆಗ ಈಗಿನಂತೆ ಸೋಷಿಯಲ್ ಮೀಡಿಯಾ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಇಂಟರ್‍ನೆಟ್ ಕಲ್ಪನೆಗಷ್ಟೇ ಸೀಮಿತವಾಗಿದ್ದ ಜಮಾನ ಅದು. ಆ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳ ಜೊತೆ ಕಲಾವಿದರು ಬಾಂಧವ್ಯ ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದುದೇ ಪತ್ರದ ಮೂಲಕ. ಅಂತಾದ್ದೊಂದು ಪತ್ರ ಇದು. ಈ ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದವರು ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್. 

1981ನೇ ಇಸವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್ ಗಾಯತ್ರಿ ಎಂಬ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಯೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದ ಪತ್ರ ಇದು. ಪತ್ರದ ಲೆಟರ್‍ಹೆಡ್ ನೋಡಿದರೆ, ಆಗಿನ್ನೂ ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್ ಮದ್ರಾಸ್‍ನಲ್ಲೇ ಇದ್ದರು ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುತ್ತೆ. ಆ ಪತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ಗಾಯತ್ರಿ ಎಂಬ ತಮ್ಮ ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗೆ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದ ಪತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸಿರುವ ಭಾಷೆ, ವಿನಯ, ವಿಧೇಯತೆ, ಸರಳತೆ.. ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ಬರೆದಿರುವ ಪತ್ರ ನೋಡಿ ನವರಸನಾಯಕ ಜಗ್ಗೇಶ್, ಇಂತಹ ಮಾನಸಿಕ ಗುರು ಪಡೆದ ನಾವೇ ಧನ್ಯ ಎಂದಿದ್ದರೆ, ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಯೋಗರಾಜ್ ಭಟ್, ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆಯೋದು ಹೇಗೆ ಅನ್ನೋದನ್ನು ರಾಜಣ್ಣ ಪತ್ರ ನೋಡಿ ಕಲಿಯಬೇಕು. ಅಡ್‍ಬಿದ್ದೆ ರಾಜಣ್ಣ ಎಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರನ್ನು ಅಭಿನಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನುಕರಿಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡಿದವರು ಒಬ್ಬಿಬ್ಬರಲ್ಲ. ಈಗ ಆ ಲಿಸ್ಟಿಗೆ ಧ್ರುವ ಸರ್ಜಾ ಕೂಡಾ ಸೇರಿ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ನಾನು ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರಿಂದ ಏನೋ ಒಂದನ್ನು ಕದ್ದಿದ್ದೀನಿ. ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಒಂದು ಲೈಬ್ರರಿ ಇದ್ದ ಹಾಗೆ. ಲೈಬ್ರರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳಿರುತ್ವೆ. ಆ ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳಲ್ಲಿರೋ ಒಂದು ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಒಂದು ಗೆರೆಯನ್ನ ಕದ್ದಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಕಳ್ಳತನಾ ಅಂತಾದ್ರೂ ಅನ್ನಿ, ಕಾಪಿ ಅಂತಾದ್ರೂ ಅನ್ನಿ. ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನೋಡಿದ ತಕ್ಷಣ ನಿಮಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತೆ. ಅದೇನು ಅಂತಾ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಸ್ವತಃ ಧ್ರುವ ಸರ್ಜಾ. ಅಂದಹಾಗೆ ಧ್ರುವ, ರಾಜ್`ರನ್ನು ಕಾಪಿ ಮಾಡಿರೋದು ಪೊಗರು ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ.

ವಿಶೇಷ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಆ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರೂ ಒಂದು ಸ್ಪೆಷಲ್ ಪಾತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಧ್ರುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮನದುಂಬಿ ಹೊಗಳಿದ ರಾಘು ಧ್ರುವ ಅವರಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ನನ್ನ ಶಿವಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತ ಅಪ್ಪು ಇಬ್ಬರನ್ನೂ ಕಂಡೆ, ಇದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಗೆ ಹೇಳೋಕೆ ನನಗೆ ಬರಲ್ಲ. ಧ್ರುವ ಅವರನ್ನು ಇಡೀ ಜಗತ್ತು ತಿರುಗಿ ನೋಡುತ್ತೆ ಎಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಬಿ.ಕೆ.ಗಂಗಾಧರ್ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ ಪೊಗರು ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ನಂದ ಕಿಶೋರ್ ನಿರ್ದೇಶನವಿದೆ. ರಶ್ಮಿಕಾ ಮಂದಣ್ಣ ನಾಯಕಿಯಾಗಿರೋ ಚಿತ್ರ ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ 19ರಂದು ತೆರೆ ಕಾಣಲಿದೆ. `ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರತಿ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನೂ ಫಸ್ಟ್ ಡೇ ಫಸ್ಟ್ ಶೋ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಜೊತೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ನೋಡ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದೆ. ಈ ಬಾರಿ ಅಣ್ಣ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಅವನಿಗೇ ಅರ್ಪಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದು ಭಾವುಕರಾಗಿ ನುಡಿದಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಧ್ರುವ ಸರ್ಜಾ.

Kannada's first bond film 'Jedara Bale' starring Dr Rajakumar has completed 50 years. The first marks the debut of Dorai and Bhagawan as directors together. The director duo has completed 50 years as directors and to mark the occasion a special programme has been held in Bangalore on Saturday evening.

A cultural association called Kala Namana has organised a special programme called 'Dorai-Bhagawan 50' at the Bugle Rock Park in Basavanagudi. Actress Jayanthi and director will be honoured during the occasion.

Apart from that 25 songs from Dorai-Bhagawan's films will be sung during the occasion.

It is exactly 10 years ago that Karnataka lost one of its most popular personalities who strode like a colossus in the minds of its people. Even today, a decade later, the memory and influence of the personality is still there. Dr Rajkumar may not be physically present among us today, but the legacy he left behind, the cultural impact he had on the Kannadigas and the influence of his character can be experienced even today and there is no doubt in the coming many years.

On the other hand, Dr Rajkumar's absence is felt severely by the film industry. His leadership was unassuming but effective. He was not an elected leader of the film industry but everyone would accept his wisdom and he was the last resort for any big problem. One word from him and everyone would follow it like a command. That is the kind of respect he had. But today, the film industry finds itself like a lost kid. Be it any issue or any other demand it has from the government or anyone else, it has to plead. So everyone says, "If only Rajkumar was alive," because if he had asked for anything to be done, it would be done.

When people still talk about Rajkumar, it is not the statistics that matter. No doubt they are impressive; an active film career of 50 years, over 200 films as an actor, hundreds of songs as a singer, dozens of titles, scores of national, state and important awards... All these only give only a small glimpse of the real personality. Why people adore him and call him Annavru with affection is because of the divinity he exuded. When he played a god in films, people worshipped him as a real god. When he made a statement in a film, people actually followed it. The best examples are how city people took to farming after the film Bangarada Manushya and gave up drinking after watching Jeevana Chaitra. 

Rajkumar's simplicity is another virtue that Kannadigas are proud of. They are also proud of the fact that he did not utilise his popularity to become a politician. Even years after his death, he remains their favourite King. Long live Rajkumar. 

Also See

Rajkumar Profile

Rajkumar Book Released

Rajkumar Accidents - Exclusive

Dr Rajkumar Memory

Rajkumar Film List And Awards

Rajkumar Abduction - Released from Veerappan

Live and Let Live - Rajkumar

Rajkumar Statue AT KFCC

Rajkumar Hotel Inaugurated

Wanted My Sons As Doctors - Rajkumar

History 50 - Rajkumar's 100th Film in 1968

History 40 - Rajkumar Turns Producer

ಕೆಜಿಎಫ್ ಈಗ ದೇಶಾದ್ಯಂತ ಹವಾ ಎಬ್ಬಿಸಿದೆ. ಈ ಹವಾದ ನಡುವೆಯೇ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ನೆನಪಾಗುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಕೆಜಿಎಫ್ ಟೀಂ ಸದಸ್ಯರು. ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣ ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ಹಳೆಯ ಹಾಡಿದೆಯಲ್ಲ.. ಜೋಕೆ ನಾನು ಬಳ್ಳಿಯ ಮಿಂಚು ಹಾಡು.. ಆ ಹಾಡಿನ ವೊರಿಜಿನಲ್ ಇರೋದು ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಅಭಿನಯದ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ.

ಜೋಕೆ ನಾನು ಬಳ್ಳಿಯ ಮಿಂಚು ಹಾಡು 1970ರಲ್ಲಿ ರಿಲೀಸ್ ಆಗಿದ್ದ ಪರೋಪಕಾರಿ ಚಿತ್ರದ್ದು. ಆ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್, ಜಯಂತಿ ಜೋಡಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಜೋಕೆ ಹಾಡಿಗೆ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದವರು ಇಬ್ಬರು ಮಹಾನ್ ಸಾಹಿತಿಗಳಾದ ಆರ್.ಎನ್.ಜಯಗೋಪಾಲ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಚಿ.ಉದಯಶಂಕರ್. ಆಗ ಹಾಡು ಹಾಡಿದ್ದವರು ಎಲ್. ಆರ್. ಈಶ್ವರಿ. ಈಗ ಹಾಡಿಗೆ ಧ್ವನಿಯಾಗಿರೋದು ಐರಾ ಉಡುಪಿ. ಆಗ ಆ ಹಾಡಿಗೆ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕಿದ್ದವರು ವಿಜಯಲಲಿತಾ. ಈಗ ಸ್ಟೆಪ್ ಹಾಕಿರೋದು ತಮನ್ನಾ ಭಾಟಿಯಾ.

48 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ನಂತರ ಜೋಕೆ ಹಾಡನ್ನು ರೀಮಿಕ್ಸ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಬಳಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗಿದೆ. ವೊರಿಜಿನಲ್ ಮ್ಯೂಸಿಕ್ ಡೈರೆಕ್ಟರ್ ಉಪೇಂದ್ರ ಕುಮಾರ್. ರೀಮಿಕ್ಸ್ ಹಾಡಿಗೆ ಸಂಗೀತ ನೀಡಿರುವುದು ರವಿ ಬಸ್ರೂರು.

The last time Kannada film industry remained closed for the longest period was during the kidnap of matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar. However, it was a self imposed ban to stop all kinds of film related activities until Rajkumar came back safe after spending 108 days under the clutches of slain forest brigand Veerappan.

Rajkumar Kidnaped By Veerappan - Breaking First News

Prior to it, the film industry had never remained non-functional including the screening of films in cinemas halls and theatres for a longer period on its own or through the directions by an authority concerned.

KFCC Producers Strike From June 01st

Chief Minister B Yeddyurappa announcing that malls, cinema halls, theaters, pubs and much more to remain temporarily shut for a period of one week due to Coronavirus outbreak from tomorrow is the longest for Kannada film industry after Dr Rajkumar's kidnap. But, this one comes from the direction of State Government, a first for Sandalwood.

Corona Virus Effect: State Locked For A Week

At the most, the industry had remained closed for a day or two during protests such Cauvery issue and so on as a precautionary measure but this time for the first time, the State Government has directed to stop all kinds of film related activities for a period of one week as preventive measures due to an outbreak of a deadly virus - COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease).

The government's move comes in wake of steps being taken in terms of precautionary measures and to contain the spread of the deadly virus which has affected several including the first ever death reported from Kalburgi.

According to film pundits, the self imposed lock down during the kidnap of Dr. Rajkumar had caused a loss of at least Rs 200 crore back then but the industry leaped back to its feet with a bunch of films doing great business in the box office. They also predict that the latest one week's shutdown could hamper the business of the industry and the loss could only be estimated when the reports fall in after a month.

Even the film exhibitors association has issued a circular to all film exhibitors across the state to remain shut for a week following the orders of the State Government, for the greater good of the citizens.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the government will celebrate the birthday of Dr Rajakumar not only in Bangalore, but also in district centres from next year onwards. 

Earlier,  KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu who was present during the birthday celebrations of Dr Rajakumar in Ravindra Kalkshetra in the morning had requested the Government to celebrate the birthday of Dr Rajakumar in district centres apart from Bangalore. The Chief Minister in the evening officially announced that Dr Rajakumar birthday celebrations will be held in district centers from next year onward. 

As per the request of Sa Ra Govindu Dr Rajkumar statue will be inaugurated at New Delhi Kannada Sanga soon said chief minister and told it was Dr Rajkumar who inaugurated that sangha at Delhi.

The Chief Minister also announced that the 200 Rs ticket price as announced will be implemented soon and the Government order in this regard will be issued soon.

Related Articles :-

Dr Rajkumar Birthday Celebrated At KFCC

It's been 11 years since Sandalwood Superstar Dr Rajakumar died and the 11th death anniversary of the actor was celebrated at the Dr Rajakumar Memorial at Kanteerava Studio premises in Bangalore on Wednesday.

The family members of Dr Rajakumar including Shivarajakumar, Puneeth Rajakumar, Vinay Rajakumar, Raghavendra Rajakumar, S A Govindaraj and others were present at the occasion.

Not only the family members of the actor but Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Sa Ra Govindu, Dr Baragur Ramachandrappa, Rockline Venkatesh and others were present at the occasion. 

Dr Rajkumar Exclusive Gallery - View

The Dr Rajkumar Academy for Civil Services is a premier academy for coaching IAS and KAS Civil service aspirants. The academy, instituted by the Rajkumar family provides quality yet affordable coaching for those trying to crack the UPSC and KPSC exams.

The center is located in Chandra Layout near Vijayanagar. It is located at a place very close to the Bangalore University Jnanabharati campus and the National Law School of India University. Eminent academicians and subject experts along with serving and retired IAS officer help students in this Academy to achieve their IAS dreams.

Aspiring candidates can contact the Academy in person or contact for information on phone or email.

Indian Icon Dr Rajkumar's Birthday was celebrated today morning at KFCC. KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu garlanded Rajkumar's statue and all the officer bearers and members did pooja for Raj statue. 

KFCC secretary MG Ramamurthy, NM Suresh, past presidents KV Guptha, Thomas Dsouza along with Narasimhalu, KM Veeresh, Ramesh Yadav, Anchehalli Shivakumar, Akshay Gangadhar and others were there during Rajkumar birthday celebration

Today on the occasion of Dr Rajkumar Birthday celebrations just want to share / recall one big incident which most of them knows reflects that Dr Raj greatness when it comes to Moral, Principles & Ethics follow not only in the films he acts but also in Real Life.

Miss World 1996 Beauty Pageant was first time held in India ( unfortunately that only last ) that too in Bangalore which was chosen because of its cosmopolitan culture & in its early transforming years into Silicon Valley what known today to the World.

This was brought by Celebrity Actor Amitabh Babchan through his floated Entertainment Company called “Amitabh Bachan Corporation Limited” [ABCL] and Karnataka State Government which was led by Chief Minister J.H. Patel welcome the move since it had great potential for Bangalore to grow in terms of Tourism, Infrastructure & Hospitality etc sectors.

But after its announcement many pro Women Organizations & Social activists hit the streets against of the conducting Beauty Pageant not only in Bangalore but India of moral & cultural differences which led even ransacking of ABCL office in Bangalore opened in Richmond Road also threaten of many organizations leaders and members of suicide and grate crashing the venue with bombs scare which was KSCA / Chinnaswamy Stadium.

These threats made additional burden to both organizers & State Government to conduct event under tight security by deploy Police/ CRPF personnel’s including private bouncers from Mumbai and some gadgets which is now very common but those days it all cost in crores.

But in spite of all above Incidents Amitabh Bachan was very keen that Dr Rajkumar should be the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony of Miss World event to be held on 23rd Nov 1996 at KSCA and made a personal visit to his house by felicitating him for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award he was conferred in that year and gave this proposal which also was great opportunity for the Kannada Thespian to know his identity to the World thru Electronic Media which was in its early stages and for this event Channel Zee was to go live in 80 + countries first time for opening ceremony.

And for this event Judges were Actor Aamir Khan , Aishwarya Rai [ Miss World 1994 Title ] if right she had not made her film debut , Sri Lankan Cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya , Godrej Company Chairman Parmeshwar Godrej , Vijaya Mallya etc.

But since many were protesting this on ethics and cultural issue Dr Rajkumar stayed away from the opening ceremony not to hurt anyone sentiments since it involved some women groups and Amitabh Bachan also respected his decision and took it in positive way which did not harm their relations & family bonding in anyway which even today still continues with the Dr Raj sons.

This information nowhere today documented or available in today’s online / digital mode but many would know about this including D Raj family members, Amitabh Bachan, Print Media etc of those times

(Article by Ajay KR)

On this day, twenty-five years ago, the then Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) named one of the earliest 80ft roads in the city, after Karnataka Ratna Dr. Rajkumar. It was in the month of January in 1994, a huge procession was held to celebrate the decision to name the road after the Kannada thespian.

This 6 Kms stretch road named as Padmabhushana Dr. Rajkumar Road is between Prasanna Theatre to Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Factory Ltd passing through several areas of Rajajinagar.

Several prominent personalities from the film industry, Dr. Rajkumar fans association, the heads of pro-Kannada organisations spearheaded by Mahadeva Banakar,  Bha Ma Harish, MG Ramamurthy, Sa Ra Govindu,and several others had proposed to the then Palike to name the road after the legendary actor. 

Following the Palike's approval to name the road, the entire Dr. Rajkumar fans across the city held a procession and programmes in the honour of Annavaru.

A snapshot of the poster published by actor Abhijith depicts the celebration mode soon after Palike's approval to name the road. In the poster published on behalf of Akhila Karnataka Yuva Kannada Vedike, its president Mahadeva Banakar, writer and politician along with Sa Ra Govindu are seen expressing their gratitude towards palike for permitting to name the 80ft road after Karnataka Ratna, Kala Koustabha and Padmabhushana Dr. Rajkumar.

Apart from this one, a few years ago, 11.5 kms stretch on Outer Ring Road (ORR) between Nayandahalli junction to Tumakaru Road was named as Dr. Rajkumar Punya Bhoomi Raod. Recently, the South End Road has been named after the legendary actor's wife and producer Dr. Parvathamma Rajkumar.

Well known Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu on Friday visited the memorial of Dr Rajakumar and Ambarish at Kanteerava Studio and paid homage to the legendary actors of the Kannada film industry.

Jagapathi Babu was in Bangalore for the shooting of his latest film 'Robert' at the Kanteerava Studio. Before the start of the shooting, Jagapathi Babu along with producer Umapathi Gowda and others visited the memorial and paid homage to Dr Rajakumar and Ambarish. 

Jagapathi Babu plays a negative role opposite Darshan in this film. 'Robert' is being written and directed by Tarun Sudhir.

It is a pleasant co incidene for Jaggesh. It is a coincidence made in heaven for him. On the penultimate for filing nominations to the Assembly elections, the BJP announced his candidature from Yeshwantpur constituency on Monday. Tuesday is the last day to file nominations and he will file it. The coincidence is Tuesday is April 24, the birthday of Dr Rajkumar. Jaggesh is a life-long fan of Rajkumar and worships him like a God. This coincidence has therefore thrilled Jaggesh as he files his nomination papers tomorrow. 

Jaggesh's love for Rajkumar is well-known. He has always remembered Rajkumar in most of his work, be it films or personal life. He has always tried to adopt Rajkumar's ideals in his life and work. 

This will be the reentry of Jaggesh to electrol politics. For the last six years he was a MLC who was nominated to the upper house Legislative Council. He will attempt to return to the Legislative Assembly with this election. So Jaggesh would have come a full circle in his political life. 

The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy is all set to celebrate the 91st birth anniversary of Kannada icon Dr Rajakumar on Wednesday (April 24th) in Bangalore.

The program will be inaugurated by Professor K S Nisar Ahmed, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy chairman Nagaithalli Chandrashekhar, Shivarajakumar, Raghavendra Rajakumar, Puneeth Rajakumar, Yogaraj Bhatt KFCC president S A Chinnegowda and others will be attending the function.

The program is organised at the Ravindra Kalakshetra at 5 in the evening. The program is jointly organised by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and Information Department.

The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy has decided to celebrate the 90th birth anniversary of Kannada icon Dr Rajakumar on 24th (Tuesday).

The programme is jointly organised by the KCA and the Information Department and will be held at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bangalore. The programme is organised at 6 in the evening.

The programme will be attended by Shivarajakumar, Raghavendra Rajakumar, Puneeth Rajakumar, KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu and others.

Dr Rajakumar starrer 'Mantralaya Mahatme' is all set to release in color by next year. The coloring process has already started and it is expected to complete this year end.

'Mantralaya Mahatme' was released in black and white in 1966. The film directed by T V Singh Thakur is considered as a milestone in Dr Rajakumar's career.

Earlier, Dr Rajakumar starrer 'Satya Harishchandra' and 'Kasturi Nivasa' was transformed from Black and White to color. Now 'Mantalaya Mahatme' will be the third film to be release in color.

All India Radio's FM station 102.9 is broadcasting a special series on Rajkumar the entire month of April to celebrate the actor. The programme is telecast on Friday mornings all through the month which is marked by Dr Rajkumar's death anniversary on April 12 and birthday on April 24.

Clippings of Rajkumar's voice that is in AIR's records is being used for the programme. A special chat between Rajkumar and Chi Udayshankar is also being used. Another programme on Rajkumar, Rajantaranga, will be broadcast on April 24. Vivida Bharati's director Udayadri is the brain behind the Raj-Utsava idea.

The Kannada film industry in the late 50s witnessed decline since not many producers came forward to produce movies due to financial constraints. It resulted in a huge crisis with artists, technicians and workers facing the heat until a group of artists along with few technicians decided to take a risk, which eventually changed the course of Sandalwood forever.

Led by Kannada thespian Dr. Rajkumar along with Balakrishna, Narasimharaju and acclaimed writer G. V. Iyer.l, they formed Kannada Chalanachitra Kalavidara Sangha, to produce the iconic movie - Ranadheera Kanteerava. After initial hiccups with its release in 1960, the rest is history. It changed the fate of Kannada film industry by re-entering into its golden era.

Ranadheera Kanteerava is also the only film in the entire film career of Dr. Rajkumar, wherein he is credited as one of the producers of the film in the title card of the movie.

The team effort shown by the then legendary actors and technicians is a perfect example as to how the industry should face any situation with patience, perseverance and sheer hard work. 

How the Kalavidhara Sangha back then managed to finance for the film is another fine example of teamwork and dedication with artists including Rajkumar, Narasimharaju, Balakrishna and many others touring all across the State, performing dramas, skits and so on to raise the money. It helped Mr. BS Ranga floated Production Company & Produced the eternal classic movie.

The nationwide lockdown due to Coronavirus has certainly hurt the growth of every sector including the film industry with huge money being invested, and are in the verge of irrecoverable loss. Ranadheera Kanteerava serves as an example to the present generation of filmmakers to not lose their faith and do their best to bring the industry back on its feet during tough times such as the present one which has completely lockdown the industry for several weeks.

To commemorate the 35th anniversary and spread the awareness of Gokak Chaluvali among the new generation of Kannadigas a symposium has been organised at Hospete in Ballari on May 19. It is organised by the Annapoorna Prakashana and will be held at the Proudadevaraya Technical Institute. Sa Ra Govindu will preside over the function.

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