State to celebrate Rajkumar’s 50 years in film industry

State to celebrate Rajkumar’s 50 years in film industry
Vijay Times

Bangalore: The historic Palace ground here in the State capital is getting decked up to host a mega function to mark the 50 years of Kannada movie idol Dr. Raj Kumar's entry into the movie industry titled 'Sarthaka Suvarna.'

“We have made seating arrangements for more than 50,000 fans of Dr Raj and inviting every known artist in the film industry,” said information and publicity principal secretary C S Kedar here on Thursday.

As the programme, which is scheduled for Saturday evening (July 9), is being organised by the State government, entry to the venue will be free. The programme will begin with a short documentary depicting the early days of the actor. A brief biography of Dr Raj, named “Bangarada Manushya”, will be released. And what's more there will be wall posters of almost all 206 movies that he has starred in his eventful career, he said.

Though the programme is going to cost the govt Rs 30 lakh, officials say that it is proud to celebrate the achievement of its gifted artist. The film industry will take one day off on Saturday to allow its artists to take part in the function. Film actors and actresses are staging music and dance programmes on the occasion.

There will be separate entry-points for VIPs and general public into the venue. “We are erecting three enclosures and audience gallery and there will be more than 10 mega screens too,” said KFCC president Gangadhar.

Opposition to boycott: BJP MLC and cine artiste Mukhya Mantri Chandru on Thursday said he along with other legislators- cum-cine artistes would boycott the Dr Rajkumar felicitation programme on Saturday. He however welcomed the decision of the government to felicitate the matinee idol.

Addressing reporters, Chandru clarified that he was not against the ceremony but it was because of the ill- treatment meted out by the govt towards artistes and Opposition party that forced them to boycott the show.