He was the Kannada film industry's first -- and many believe only -- true superstar.
Revered as a demigod by millions of his fans, Dr Rajkumar never ran short of love, fame, adulation or media space in his five-decade long career. And he was versatile throughout, playing everything from larger-than-life historical figures to the common man.
He was born Mutturaju Singanalluru Puttaswamayya on April 24, 1929 at Gajanur, Tamil Nadu before he was christened Rajkumar for the Karnataka celluloid world by director H L N Simha, who discovered the would-be-matinee idol at a bus depot and signed him as hero for the film Bedara Kannappa in 1954.
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The alias Rajakumar sat snugly on Muthuraj as he moved from the realm of mythological and historical films to the age of neo-realism, marching along with the times, polishing his skills as he went along, and marking many a milestone. His role as a village simpleton in films like Mannina Maga, Anna Thangi, Chandavalliya Thota, Doorada Betta and Mayor Muththanna bonded him with the masses. The endearing image of Rajkumar riding a buffalo, singing a popular song in the film Sampattige Saval, brought to the fore the reality of rural India.
His affinity for villages and Kannadigas transformed him into a larger than life figure, stirring up mass hysteria when forest brigand Veerappan kidnapped him. Veerappan, who ironically hailed from the same birthplace as the thespian, was fully aware of the priceless treasure in his custody when he sent out a list of demands to be met in return for Rajkumar's release. His release sparked nothing short of a state-wide celebration.
Naturally, his demise, on April 12, sparked chaos, and five people were killed as distraught fans went on the rampage in Bangalore.
Also read: Farewell, Dr Rajkumar
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