Apr 21, 2006 02:47 PM
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(Updated Apr 21, 2006 02:48 PM)
What makes an actor great? Is it his persona? Or his on-screen image? Or the adulation by his loyal fans. Dr. Rajkumar neatly fits into all the above categories. He was affable, courteous and endearing to the masses. He had a tremendous fanbase, cutting across all strata of the society. The young, the old, the high brow, the hoi polloi - all admired him and associated themselves with him.
Dr. Rajkumar's career spanned nearly five decades in Karnataka. His repertoire of films were simply outstanding. Be it the rebel in Mayura, Sampathige Sawaal, the unflinching devotee of God in Bhakta Kumbara, Bedara Kannappa, Bhakta Kanakadasa, the reformer in Bangarada Manusya, Gandadha Gudi, the prodigal son in Daari Thappida Magaa, the father-son duo in Babruvaahana, the village simpleton in Mallammana Pavaada, Bangarada Panjara, the millionaire-turned-pauper in Kasturi Nivasa, the villan in Bhakta Prahlad, the monarch in Sri Krishna Devaraya, Immadi Puliekshi, Dr, Rajkumar had played all these characters with aplomb.
Besides acting, Dr. Rajkumar was a gifted singer. His rustic song Yaare koogadali from Sampathige Sawaal became hugely and popular. His memorable songs include, Huttidare Kannada naadalli and the National Award winning Naadamayaa Ee loka.
In the South Indian states, barring Kerala, fan adulation was always (still is) at its zenith. Before the wide spread coverage of television, cinema and theatre were the only means of entertainment. Cinema was more popular compared to theatre due to obvious reasons. Naturally people began to associate themselves with the on-screen heroes. In Tamil Nadu, MGR held sway over the people, while it was NTR proved a popular hero in Andhra Pradesh. But most movies by NTR and MGR were tailored to their political ideology. Cashing on their on-screen personality, both MGR and NTR successfully entered politics. Despite the fact that he spearheaded the Gokak agitation, Dr. Rajkumar refused to enter politics.
His three sons followed his footsteps and entered the film industry. The eldest, Shivraj has embodied his father's humility, but hasn't inherited his charisma. His second son, Raghavendra lacked good looks and acting skills and failed to make an impact and his youngest son Puneeth is still struggling to find a niche in Kannada film industry.
Following is a list of Dr. Rajkumar's top five films. His first movie was Bedara Kannappa and his last movie was Shabdavedi.
1) Kasturi Nivaasa: Co-starring Jayanthi and Aarathi (in a cameo)
This movie can be considered as one of the sober movies of Dr. Rajkumar. He plays the role of a widower millionaire, who loses everything due to his generosity. This movie is also remembered for its songs like, Nee Bandu Ninthaaga and Addisi Noodu.
2) Bangarada Manusya: Co-starring Bharathi, Vajra Muni
Although panned by the critics at the time of its release, this movie went to become the highest grossing and longest running movie in the history of Karnataka. Dr. Rajkumar enacted the role of a city youth who comes for a casual visit to his village. Upon discovering the pathetic condition of his house and farm in the village, Dr. Rajkumar decides to stay in the village and rectify the situation. This movie inspired many youth in towns and cities to return back to their villages.
3) Ondu Muttina Kathe: Co-starring Archana
This movie, incidentally directed by Shankar Nag, dealt with the subject of human greed. Dr. Rajkumar enacts the role of a poor, deep-sea diver who unearths an expensive pearl from the sea. This film was notable for its stunning underwater sequence and Dr. Rajkumar's fight with an octopus.
4) Babruvahana: Co-starring Kanchana
Dr. Rajkumar enacted the role of Pandava warrior, Arjuna and his long last son, Babruhavana. This movie is notable for the its verbal dual between Arjuna and his son, albeit in a poetic form.
5) Kaviratna Kalidasa Co-starring Jaya Prada
This movie portrays the life and time of great poet, Kalidasa. His early life as a shepherd, his gradual transformation into a poet were enacted superbly by Dr. Rajkumar.
