Remembering Dr Rajkumar on his birth anniversary
One might not be familiar with the name Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj but the legendary person is best known as Dr. Rajkumar. Today is his 95th birth anniversary. The Kannada star hero was said to be one of the most versatile actors that Indian Cinema has ever seen.
In a career spanning four decades, Dr. Rajkumar has acted in more than 205 films. The surprising factor about Rajkumar is that he has a National Award in singing. He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1983 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995. He was fondly called Kannada Kanteerava.
Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj was born in a Kannada-speaking family on 24 April 1929 in Dodda Gajanur. In 1954, Dr. Rajkumar made his acting debut with the movie Bedara Kannappa. In the same year, he acted in a Telugu film titled Kalahasti Mahatyam. Dr. Rajkumar was the first Kannada hero to complete 100 movies as a lead. Rajkumar was awarded numerous State, National, and International awards as well. 1964 was a breakout year for him as a record of 16 films were released in that single year.
Dr Rajkumar birthday anniversary special
He is also popularly remembered as Nata Saarvabhouma (Emperor of Actors), Bangarada Manushya (Man of Gold), Vara Nata (Gifted Actor), and Rajanna (Brother Raj). Also, his fans fondly called him ‘Annavaru’ (respected elder brother in the Kannada language).
On July 30, 2000, he was kidnapped by a notorious bandit named Veerappan. He was finally freed after being held as a hostage for 109 days. We remember the legend of Dr. Rajkumar on this special occasion.