The three actor sons of the Kannada thespian the late Rajkumar have become role models of Kannada cinema by not only pledging their eyes as their late father did but also by pledging their bodies with the M.S. Ramaiah Hospital on the occasion of the 82nd birthday of their father.
The Rajkumars, who kept away from the centre stage in any Rajkumar-related programmes, occupied the centre stage to present the objectives of the Rajkumar Trust, its public responsibility and future programmes.
Raghavendra Rajkumar said that his father as Bedara Dinna or Kannappa in his first film produced by AVM Productions' Bedarakannappa offers his eyes to Lord Shiva in a scene. True to his screen image, Rajkumar pledged his eyes and inspired his fans to emulate him.
Following this, the Rajkumar Trust had taken the responsibility of campaigning for the cause. It had organised several comprehensive eye testing camps at places such as Anekal, Kolar, Tumkur and Gubbi free of cost. Overwhelmed by the response and realising the needs of the poor in that area, the trust is planning to organise such camps in all districts of the State.
The family presented the first ever “Appaji Souharda” award to veteran actors Shantamma and S. Shivram and veteran Director S.K. Bhagavan (of Dorai-Bhagavan team).
Unveiling of the cover of the English and Kannada versions of the book Dr. Rajkumar-The Person Behind The Personality , Dr. Rajkumar- Vyaktitvada Hindina Vyakti , and screening of some pages marked the occasion.
Explaining his conception of the book, Puneet Rajkumar said the book was conceived and compiled by the family with the help of Prakruti N. Banavasi. The book would contain rare pictures of Rajkumar taken at various junctures right from his theatre days. It would be released by November, he said. He requested the public to provide rare pictures, posters of his father and letters he had written.
Although the audience was curious to hear Parvathamma Rajkumar, she barely managed to express her gratitude through gestures, fighting her emotions throughout the programme.
To be an annual affair
Staff Reporter adds:
The State Government joined in by organising a function at the Ravindra Kalakshetra here. “Henceforth this will be an annual event to remember the contribution of the actor towards our culture and the State,” said Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. He said the State Government would have exhibition hall and theatre at the Rajkumar memorial.
Parvatamma Rajkumar and her three sons, writer K.S. Nissar Ahmed and actors Srinath, Mukhyamantri Chandru, Jaggesh and Jaimala were present.
