Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006),[1] better known by his stage name Dr. Rajkumar, was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Kannada cinema. Through his over five-decade long career of over 200 films, he was regarded one of the most pivotal and influential figures of the Kannada film industry. His films were praised for acting as a bridge between the popular and art films because of the theme of the story and their treatment.[2] He debuted as a child actor in the 1942 Kannada film Bhakta Prahlada. His first role as an adult came in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana (1952) and as a lead, two years later, in Bedara Kannappa, which gave him stardom. He debuted as a singer with the track Om Namaha Shivaya from the 1956 film Ohileshwara. In 1960, he made his debut as a producer by producing Ranadheera Kanteerava.[3] According to Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen in the book Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema, Ranadheera Kanteerava was the first "big hit" in Kannada cinema.[4] In a film career spanning fifty years, Rajkumar received eleven Karnataka State Film Awards, including nine Best Actor and two Best Singer awards, eight Filmfare Awards South, and one National Film Award.[5] Along with Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh, he is counted in Kannada cinema's "triumvirate" as its most celebrated actor.[6]
In 1983, Rajkumar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995. In 1985, he became the first Indian actor to receive the Kentucky Colonel, an honorary order from the governor of Kentucky, United States.[7] On the occasion of the "Centenary of Indian Cinema" in April 2013, Forbes included his performance in Bangaarada Manushya on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".[8] Upon his death, The New York Times had described him as one of India's most popular movie stars.[9] He received the NTR National Award in 2002 and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore.[10] Dr. Rajkumar Samagra Charithre - a two-volume book by film critic D. Rukkoji on the life and achievements of Rajkumar won the Swarna Kamal Award at the 63rd National Film Awards under the National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema category.[11] On the occasion of Rajkumar's 100th film Government of Karnataka honored him with the title of Nata Saarvabhouma.[12] He is also the first film star to win the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Naadamaya Ee Lokavella from the film Jeevana Chaitra.[13] The State Government established Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1993–94 to be given for lifetime achievement towards contributions to Kannada cinema.[2]
Dr. Rajkumar's 1972 film Bangaarada Manushya was the longest running South Indian film at the time of its release.[14] The film elevated him from being just another very popular actor to nearly demigod status among the masses.[10] His 1986 film Anuraga Aralithu was the first Indian film to be remade in seven other languages.[15] His 1973 film Gandhada Gudi was reported to be the first Indian film to be made on the concept of protection of forest and wildlife conservation with a focus on the need to preserve the flora and fauna at a time when the CITES treaty was signed with an aim to reduce the economic incentive to poach endangered species.[16] The British daily newspaper The Guardian praised him for his subtle acting and described him as a humble, modest being who was a symbol of Kannada consciousness.[17] ABC News acknowledged him as one of the greatest actors of his time and called him The Gentle Giant of Karnataka.[18] In 2016, the Maharashtra State Government had prescribed the biography of the actor for its class VIII students detailing his achievements and contributions to the Kannada culture under the title Natasarvabhouma.[19] In 1989, the critical failure of Parashuram led him to take a hiatus from acting. However, he returned to acting three years later, in 1992 with Jeevana Chaitra, which was a blockbuster running for more than a year in theatres.[20] His final film was 2000's Shabdavedhi.[21][22] He had a minimum of ten releases in each of the years from 1963 to 1971. He held the record for highest releases as a lead in a single year (16 in 1968) in Kannada movies for 24 years until it was broken by Malashri in 1992 with 19 releases.[23] His 39 movies have been remade 63 times in 9 languages[24] by 34 actors [25] making him the first actor whose movies were remade more than fifty times[26] and the first actor whose movies were remade in nine languages.[27] 90% of his movies are considered to be successful.[28]
Filmography
editPartial discography
editRajkumar has sung approximately 300 songs in movies and an excess of 400 devotional (non-film) songs in Kannada. Rajkumar trained in classical music when he was with Gubbi Veeranna's theatre troupe. The track Om Namaha Shivaya from the 1956 film Ohileshwara, which he also starred in, was his first song for a film. He subsequently sang "Thumbithu Manava", a duet with S. Janaki, for the movie Mahishasura Mardini (1959). However, he became a full-fledged singer only in 1974 when he sang in place of P. B. Sreenivas for Sampathige Savaal, who had till then sung for most songs picturized on Rajkumar, fell ill. Rajkumar sang the energetic Yaare Koogadali for the film which became widely popular during the time and is considered one of his best songs.[56]
Rajkumar has been credited for having sung across various genres and each rendition according to the mood of the scene in the film. In "Yaaru Tiliyaru Ninna" for Babruvahana (1977), a prosodic form of Kannada poetry that required the tone to be a combination of sarcasm and anger, he blended the twin skills of theatrics and music.[20] For Nee Nanna Gellalare (1981), he sang two songs—"Jeeva Hoovagide" and "Anuraga Enaytu"—beginning both with the refrain "I love you", that is full of Carnatic gamakas. After the same tone in the refrain, they take on a life of their own with the form according to love and happiness in the former and love but a discord in the latter. He is known widely for his rendition of "Nadamaya" for Jeevana Chaitra (1992), a song based on the raga of Todi and with complex graces and strings other ragas as it progresses. He switches ragas with ease, and sings complex swara patterns like a professional classical artiste.[3] For the rendition, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.[2]
| Title | Year | Song | Composer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohileshwara | 1956 | "Om Namah Shivaaya" | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Sampathige Savaal | 1974 | "Yaare Koogadali" | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Sri Srinivasa Kalyana | 1974 | "Naane Bhagyavathi", "Cheluvina Thaare" | Rajan–Nagendra |
| Daari Tappida Maga | 1975 | "Naariye Seere Kadda" | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Mayura | 1975 | "Naaniruvude Ninagagi", "Ee Mounava Taalenu" | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Thrimurthy | 1975 | all songs | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Premada Kanike | 1976 | "Baanigondu Elle", "Idu Yaaru Barida", "Naguveya Henne", "Naa Bidalare" | Upendra Kumar |
| Bahaddur Gandu | 1976 | "Maanavanaaguveya", "Muthinantha Maathondu", "Hey Ninagagiye" | M. Ranga Rao |
| Raja Nanna Raja | 1976 | "Thanuvu Manuvu", "Kalletigintha Naana" | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Naa Ninna Mareyalare | 1976 | "Naa Ninna", "Nannaseya Hoove", "Elleli Nodali" | Rajan-Nagendra |
| Badavara Bandhu | 1976 | "Ninna Kangala", "Ninna Nudiyu" | M. Ranga Rao |
| Babruvahana | 1977 | "Ee Samaya", "Aaradhisuve", "Barasidilu" | T. G. Lingappa |
| Operation Diamond Racket | 1978 | All songs | G. K. Venkatesh |
| Anuraga Aralithu | 1986 | All songs except Beesadiru | Upendra Kumar |
| Ondu Muttina Kathe | 1987 | "Mutthondu Thande", "Mallige Hoovinanthe", "Ondu Eradu", "Melinda Hunnime" | L. Vaidyanathan |
| Shruthi Seridaaga | 1988 | "Bombeyattavayya", "Nagalarade", "Raaga Jeevana", "Shruthi Seride" | T. G. Lingappa |
| Devatha Manushya | 1988 | "Hrudayanalli Idenidhu", "Ninatha Appa Illa", "Ee Sogasada" | Upendra Kumar |
| Shiva Mecchida Kannappa | 1988 | "Maayeya Thaareyanu", "Ellaru Maduvudu" | T. G. Lingappa |
| Nanjundi Kalyana | 1989 | "Baduke Hasiru" | Upendrakumar |
| Parashuram | 1989 | All songs | Hamsalekha |
| Ashwamedha | 1990 | "Ashwamedha" | Sangeetha Raja |
| Kalyana Mantapa | 1991 | "Ombathu Ombathu" | Upendra Kumar |
| Hrudaya Haadithu | 1991 | "Naliyuta Hrudaya Haadanu Haadide" | Upendra Kumar |
| Jeevana Chaitra | 1992 | All songs | Upendra Kumar |
| Aakasmika | 1993 | All songs | Hamsalekha |
| Odahuttidavaru | 1994 | All songs except "Bennina Hinde" and "Janakana Matha" | Upendra Kumar |
| Megha Maale | 1995 | "Megha Maale" | Hamsalekha |
| Om | 1995 | "O Gulabi", "Hey Dinakara" | Hamsalekha |
| Karulina Kudi | 1995 | "O Malle Hoove" | Rajan–Nagendra |
| Karnataka Suputra | 1995 | "Aa Vidhi Thandha" | M. M. Keeravani |
| Dhani | 1996 | "Nee Kanda Aa Loka" | Sadhu Kokila |
| Janani Janmabhoomi | 1997 | "Bayasuvudeno Aaguvudeno" | Rajan - Nagendra |
| Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda | 1997 | "Janumava Neediruve" | Upendra Kumar |
| Simhada Mari | 1997 | "Manage Ondu" | Hamsalekha |
| Jodi Hakki | 1997 | "Hara Hara Gange" | V Manohar |
| Hoomale | 1998 | "Hoomale" | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Baro Nanna Muddina Krishna | 1998 | "Devrigeno Kopa" | Rajesh Ramanath |
| Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga | 1998 | "Bhoomithayi" | V Manohar |
| Kurubana Rani | 1998 | "Thaali" | V Manohar |
| Gadibidi Krishna | 1998 | "Thamma" | Hamsalekha |
| Janumadatha | 1999 | "Aa Vidhathantha" | V Manohar |
| Idu Entha Premavayya | 1999 | "Yeneno Kanasu" | Gurukiran |
| Vishwa | 1999 | "Vishwa Vishwa" | Hamsalekha |
| Hrudaya Hrudaya | 1999 | "O Premada", "Hogibaa" | Hamsalekha |
| Shabdavedhi | 2000 | All songs except Baaro Baaro | Hamsalekha |
| Hagalu Vesha | 2000 | "Jaggadu" | Hamsalekha |
| Devara Maga | 2000 | "Manjanthe" | Hamsalekha |
| Appu | 2002 | "Panavidu", "Aa Devara" | Gurukiran |
| Abhi | 2003 | "Vidhi Baraha" | Gurukiran |
| Chigurida Kanasu | 2003 | "O Bandhuve" | V. Manohar |
| Vamshi | 2008 | "Thayi Thayi" | Hamsalekha |
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Rajkumar played one character with three names
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Rajkumar played one character with two names
- ^ Rajkumar played four distinct characters in the film
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Rajkumar played dual roles in the film.
- ^ Rajkumar played one character with three names
- ^ a b Rajkumar played triple role in the film
- ^ Rajkumar played one character with four names
- ^ Rajkumar played two distinct characters in the film
- ^ Rajkumar played one character with three names
References
edit- ^ a b c "'ಬೇಡರ ಕಣ್ಣಪ್ಪ' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೂ ಮೊದಲು ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ನಟಿಸಿದ್ದ ಆ ಎರಡು ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳು ಯಾವುವು?" [Before 'Bedara Kannappa' What were those two movies that Dr. Raj starred in?] (in Kannada). 5 May 2020. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- ^ a b c Poonacha, Sahitya P. (24 April 2020). "Remembering Dr Rajkumar: Lesser-known facts and trivia about the legendary 'Annavaru'". IBTimes India. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ a b "T O T A L K A N N A D A Save Our Movieland "Kannada Cinema FAQs"". 15 September 2006. Archived from the original on 15 September 2006. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ Ashish Rajadhyaksha (1994). Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema (Second ed.). United Kingdom: British Film Institute and Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-563579-5.
- ^ "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). 8 October 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (25 November 2018). "Ambareesh was Kannada industry's troubleshooter". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Famous Colonels". Kentucky Colonels. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "25 Greatest Acting Performances Of Indian Cinema". Forbes India. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Rai, Saritha (13 April 2006). "Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ a b "Google doodles legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar on 88th birth anniversary". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
- ^ "Rajkumar's biography wins Swarna Kamal". The Hindu. 28 March 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ http://www.filmibee.in/2016/04/govt-of-karnataka-organizes-88th.html[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Google honours veteran Kannada actor Rajkumar with a doodle on his 88th birth anniversary". The Indian Express. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "Bangarada Manushya 1972". The Hindu. 23 August 2008. Retrieved
- ^ pratiba. "Not Rajinikanth or Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar's film was first to be remade in 6 languages in India". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (13 May 2017). "Masti Gudi: Lopsided concern for tiger". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Pandya, Haresh (17 April 2006). "Obituary: Rajkumar". the Guardian. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ "India's Top Bandit Kidnaps Top Movie Star". ABC News. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ Staff Reporter (24 November 2014). "Lesson on Rajkumar in Maharashtra government Kannada textbook". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
- ^ a b c Riti, M. D. (20 December 1999). "Kannada cinema's biggest superstar makes a comeback!". Rediff.com. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ "ರಾಜ್ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ"
- ^ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (1998) [1994]. Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema (PDF). British Film Institute and Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-563579-5.
- ^ "ಸಿನಿ ಸಿಪ್ 23-ಮಾಲಾಶ್ರೀ ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲುಗಳು...| Malashree's film path". YouTube. 29 April 2021.
- ^ "The only actor in the country whose films were remade more than 50 times, Amitabh Bachchan also touched feet". 2 November 2022.
- ^ "How many films of Dr. Rajkumar were remade?".
- ^ "ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳ 'ಅನುರಾಗ ಅರಳಿತು' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ 35 ವರ್ಷ". Chitrapatha.com. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "ರಾಜ್ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ". Udayavani.com.
- ^ "Rajkumar to Puneeth Rajkumar: Prominent actors of Kannada film industry". The Times of India. 10 September 2020.
- ^ a b Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 335.
- ^ "Do you know the legendary Rajkumar once acted in a Telugu movie?". Deccan Herald. 17 September 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 353.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 360.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 357.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 366.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Sharma, Ravi (4 May 2006). "Pride of Kannada". Frontline. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ a b Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 369.
- ^ Ganesh, Deepa (16 May 2016). "Bhoodana: the classic at 55". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Rao, K. N. Venkatasubba (12 April 2007). "Will there be another like him?". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 378.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 386.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 110.
- ^ Anuradha – ಅನುರಾಧ| Kannada Full Movie | FEAT. M Pandaribai, Mynavathi. SRS Media Vision | Kannada Full Movies. 23 July 2015. Archived from the original on 13 January 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Katakam, Anupama (25 November 2000). "The eternal Kannada icon". Frontline. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Prakash, Hita (24 April 2020). "Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 395.
- ^ "History 50 - Rajkumar's 100th Film in 1968". Chitraloka. 17 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 402.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 406.
- ^ "Prithviraj Kapoor in 'Sakshatkara'". The Times of India. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 412.
- ^ "Rajkumar's 'Daari Tappida Maga' to re-release in 120 theaters". The Times of India. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ "Did you know Puneeth Rajkumar was a part of Rajkumar's 'Premada Kanike'?". Deccan Herald. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 460.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 467.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Rajadhyaksha & Willemen 1998, p. 187.
- ^ "Dr Rajkumar Birth Anniversary: Here Are Some Must-watch Iconic Films of the Kannada Superstar". 24 April 2021.