Thousands celebrate Rajkumar's contribution to Kannada cinema

Thousands celebrate Rajkumar's contribution to Kannada cinema
The Hindu



ANOTHER HONOUR FOR `ANNA': Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar being felicitated at `Sartaka Suvarna' by the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh (right), and the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, in Bangalore on Saturday. The actor's wife, Parvathamma Rajku mar, looks on. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: Kannada thespian Rajkumar was felicitated by the State Government at a grand function at the Palace Grounds here on Saturday. The event was organised in connection with his completion of 50 years in Kannada cinema.

The function was graced by top leaders, including the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh; the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah; the Minister for Water Resources and Transport, M. Mallikarjun Kharge; and many of their Cabinet colleagues, and a galaxy of film personalities.

`Actor-activist'

They recalled the great performances of Mr. Rajkumar and his simplicity and the way he has endeared himself to the people of the State.

They spoke of his role as an activist who always fought for the welfare of the State and Kannada language.

Addressing a gathering estimated at over 50,000, Mr. Singh promised that he would continue to work for the welfare of the State and the Kannada language.

`Committed to Kannada'

Mr. Singh reiterated that the coalition Government is committed to the cause of Kannada and upholding its supremacy on all fronts. It is also committed to solve the problems of the Kannada cinema industry, he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said: "The State is in need of Mr. Rajkumar's guidance considering his vast experience."

The Minister for Information and Publicity, B. Shivaram, released the book Bangaarada Manushya (named after the thespian's most acclaimed film based on the late T.K. Rama Rao's novel) authored by A.N. Prahlad Rao, an officer with the Department of Information, in honour of Mr. Rajkumar.

Schemes

Explaining the programmes and schemes implemented for the development of Kannada cinema, Mr. Shivaram said that the Government would implement the anti-piracy law next month to protect the interests of producers.

The film actor and MLC "Mukhyamantri" Chandru urged the Government to make "Kannada inevitable in all fields and exhibit its will to implement Kannada in administration in toto."

The Government should immediately withdraw its recent order that gives blanket permission to shoot Kannada films anywhere in the country as it would push the 16,000 cinema workers in the State to hardship, he said.