Municipal Council President P. Kalavathi said that Dr. Rajkumar, who was honoured with the Karnataka Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, made significant contributions to Kannada Nadu and the Kannada language.
She was speaking at the 97th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. Rajkumar and a programme featuring songs from his films, held at Gandhi Bhavan in the city on Friday by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, and the Information and Public Relations Department.
She recalled that through the Gokak movement, Dr. Rajkumar created a new wave in Kannada Nadu and worked tirelessly for the development of the language and culture.
Describing him as a towering figure in Kannada cinema, she said he excelled both as a sovereign actor and a renowned playback singer.
Retired teacher U.R. Nagesh, who participated as the chief speaker, said Dr. Rajkumar had delivered captivating performances in over 200 films and continues to remain in the hearts of audiences.
He noted that Dr. Rajkumar followed the philosophy that the mind and body should become a temple, and that speech should reflect values. He explained that the actor lived by the principle of dedicating the body to work, the intellect to knowledge, and the mind to devotion.
He further quoted that while one may walk a path without light, it is impossible to walk without dreams.
He added that Dr. Rajkumar enriched the Kannada language with emotion, gave wings to imagination, brought life to acting, and shaped art with elegance, modesty, leadership, strength, and devotion.
He said that Dr. Rajkumar, who entered the film industry with BedaraKannappa (1954), gained immense popularity and delivered memorable performances in films such as BangaradaManushya, Kasturi Nivasa, Babruvahana, and Kavi RatnaKalidasa.
Kodagu Janapada Parishad district unit president B.G. Ananthashayana said that Dr. Rajkumar is fondly called ‘Annavru’ due to his simplicity, love for Kannada, and cultural contributions.
He noted that Dr. Rajkumar acted in socially relevant films and established himself as a towering personality in the Kannada film industry.
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion.
