Bengaluru, Nov 30: Their memories went back decades, and as they recounted their sepia-tinted experiences, a young, dashing Rajkumar came alive. Film icons recalled the thespian's life and contribution to Kannada movies, language and literature at the inauguration of the Dr Rajkumar Memorial at his samadhi in Kanteerava Studios here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally unveiled memorial and paid tributes along with his Cabinet colleagues M H Ambareesh, Umashree, Roshan Baig and Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Addressing around 5,000 fans and invitees, the chief minister said Rajkumar was a cultural ambassador not only for Karnataka, but also for the entire country.
“Rajkumar is a demi-god for the people of Karnataka. He has played a variety of roles during his film career and used to get into his roles with ease. He has been a role model for his fans across the State with his simplicity and humility. We, Kannadigas should follow this great role model in our lives,” Siddaramaiah said.
Siddu donates eyes
Siddaramaiah announced amid cheers from the audience that he would pledge his eyes. Recalling how Rajkumar would always say 'Namma kaadinavaru (he is from my forest area)' whenever he met him, the CM said he would follow in the footsteps of the thespian and donate his eyes. Rajkumar (Gajanur) and Siddaramaiah (Siddaramayyana Hundi) are from the district of Chamarajnagar.
Rajinikanth speaks Kannada
Rajinikanth, speaking in Kannada, created his own tale about the star: that Brahma floated a hani (raindrop) in a cloud. "The cloud went around the state and everyone was eager to know where that raindrop would fall. It fell in Gajanur in Karnataka and became famous as Rajkumar."
The top Tamil star said, "In 1954, Rajkumar's acting journey began like that of a galloping horse, through the movie Bedara Kannappa. Characters like Purandaradasa, Kanadadasa, Bhaktha Kumbhara, Ravana, Mahishashura, Hiranya Kashapu and even James Bond have taken a ride on that stallion. There can be no comparison to that stallion, who didn't stop till 2006, when its journey ended."
Indirectly referring to Rajkumar's kidnapping, the actor said, "Even vana devathe (forest deity) liked this man and wanted him to stay there for 108 days."
Recalling his days in Gavipuram in Bengaluru, Rajinikanth said, "When I was 11, I met Rajkumar in Kempampudhi Kere where he had come for a shooting. I took his autograph and then on, I haven't ever taken an autograph from anyone.''
He was once travelling with Rajkumar in his car, which met with a minor accident. "Auto drivers, bus drivers, conductors, groundnut sellers and people stopped, just to greet him with a namaskara. I told him people revered him, and he replied: 'That respect is not for me. It's for the Saraswathi in me. They are respecting that Kala Devi and not me'.''
Thunderous applause broke out when Rajini predicted the Dr Rajkumar memorial would one day become a temple. "The temple will see many miracles in future. Visit the samadhi silently. Rajkumar will bless one and all.''
Actor Chiranjeevi narrated incidents that brought his and Rajkumar's family close. "When I was a student of a film institute where Rajinikanth was my senior, we went to meet Rajkumar who was shooting for a movie. When we introduced ourselves as film institute students, he stood up and asked: 'Chennagiddira (How are you)?' I replied: "Thumba chennagiddeve (We are very well)'. That humility in Rajkumar made him a great source of inspiration for people like me.''
While Raghavendra Rajkumar described the occasion as "Rajkumar Habba", Union law and parliamentary affairs minister DV Sadananda Gowda said Kannada Rajyothsava was being celebrated. Actor B Sarojadevi recalled her acting days with Rajkumar.
Respect for the anthem
Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Thanu Jaathe....(Kuvempu), the state anthem, was sung in full at the ceremony. It took over three minutes for the lone singer to finish the song. The crowd, guests on the dais including CM Siddaramaiah, Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi stood up as a mark of respect to the anthem.
A family affair
Rajkumar's family was out in full force -- Parvathamma, Shivrajkumar, Raghavendra, Puneeth, Ashwini and Chinne Gowda were present. While Parvathamma and Raghavendra were on the dais, the others were seated in a gallery next to the dais.
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