Kannada: What are some mind-blowing facts about Dr. Rajkumar?

 

• Rajkumar has the very rare distinction of playing hero to both mother and daughter.

Yes.Rajkumar stayed in the industry nearly for 50 years and hence such a feat was achievable.

Advani Laksmi Devi was a big name in the generation previous to ours.She has played variety of roles in her career.One can still remember her as Rajkumar's elder sister to whose home he arrives in the movie Bangarada Manushya.Also her role as Bakula Devi in Srinivasa Kalyana is vividly remember even to this day.

Advani Laksmi Devi in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana

Advani Laksmi Devi in Bangaarada Manushya

Although famous for her portrayal of supporting roles,she also acted as heroine to Rajkumar in number of movies like Ramanjameya Yudhdha(1963) where she plays Seetha to Rajkumar who played Rama.

Later in 1982 came this blockbuster movie called Haalu Jenu.Madhavi played the main heroine to Rajkumar.But there was another heroine singing the very famous Purandara Daasa composition to Rajkumar Pogaadiralo Ranga. She was Roopa Devi -daughter of Advani Lakshmi Devi.

Roopa Devi in the movie Haalu Jenu

She went on to act two more movies with Rajkumar -Samayada Gombe and Yaarivanu.

This two-mother and daughter always occupy a special mention in the career span of Rajkumar.

• There is this popular belief in everyone that Rajkumar did not act in any non kannada movie.This belief may be true to a maximum extent,but there is this one telugu movie in Rajakumar's cine career- Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam

This was a remake of his debut movie Bedara Kannappa. No,it wasn't a dubbed version of the movie.The kannada version had Pandari Bai as the heroine where as the Telugu version had Malathi as the heroine.

Bedara kannapa was Rajkumar's debut and this movie was made in Telugu at the same time. So I don't think Rajkumar had much to pick and choose. But later in his career,he was offered many non kannada movies which he consciously avoided. Rajkumar was also requested to play a cameo in the hindi film Coolie which was extensively shot in Bengaluru, but he politely refused.

So this movie Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam holds the distinction of being the only non kannada movie acted by the veteran.

Why is Dr. Rajkumar one of the most successful actors the world has ever seen?

 Dr. Singanalluru Muthuraju (Known as Dr. Rajkumar, Annavru, etc in Karnataka) is very easily one of the most versatile and successful actors the world has ever seen. A few reasons which support this:

• His career spanned from 1954 to 2000, just short of half a century, which might seem normal to most people, considering the fact that there are many people who have had careers much bigger than that, but the awe-inspiring truth is that he acted in a lead role in every single one of his movies.

• He has acted in 208 movies, sometimes releasing ten movies in a calendar year during his peak years (the 50s and the 60s). Almost every single one of them have been declared a super-hit by Box Office. This is a rare achievement for not only an Indian Actor, an Actor in the world level as well.

• He has acted in innumerable genres of movies: Mythological, Social Drama, Spy, Romance, Philosophical, Thriller, among others. He has managed to put life into every role that he has portrayed.

• He is not only an actor, but also a very good playback singer. He has sung close to 300 songs for his movies, and for others’ movies as well. He has also won a National Award for Playback Singing for his beautiful “Naadamaya Ee Lokavella” from the movie Jeevana Chaitra. The evergreen song has impeccably been sung in Raga Thodi, a proof of the Carnatic Classical maverick that was Dr. Rajkumar.

• He followed a very austere lifestyle, and was very fit and ahead of his times. When heroes danced around with pot-bellies, Dr. Rajkumar impressed everybody with his Yoga Postures and a perfect body that a man of his age can have.

• In spite of his greatness, he was a very simple man with little ambition. His down-to earth nature fetched him millions of supporters who revered him as their “Annavru” (Elder Brother). He, in turn, called his fans “Abhimani Devarugalu” (Likening his fans to Gods). Dr. Rajkumar never ventured into politics, even though he knew that he could become the Chief Minister of Karnataka without having the slightest of problems. Such was his greatness, that his is the only autograph that Superstar Rajinikanth has ever asked for in his life.

• He was the first actor in India to get a Honorary Doctorate for Excellence in Acting. He was awarded the Doctorate by the University of Mysore. He is the only Kannadiga so far to win a Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He is also a recipient of the Padmabhushana Award, given by the Government of India.

• Even though more than a decade has passed after his death, he is worshipped like a God in Karnataka. He is an inspiration to every budding film artist there is in the Kannada Film Industry. His legacy can never be replaced.

What makes Dr. Rajkumar's debut film Bedara Kannappa noteworthy, and why was it also made in Telugu as Sri Kalahastiswara Mahatyam?

 Dr. Rajkumar's debut film Bedara Kannappa which was released in 1954 had become a significant milestone in the Kannada film industry.

It was a devotional film which attained success both critically and commercially and it was the first film in the history of the Kannada Cinema which was screened for 365 days in theatres.

Infact there were no distributors who were ready to distribute this film, at that time the then CM, S. Nijalingappa interfered and got it released through Karnataka Films.

Bedara Kannappa is the first Kannada film to win National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada.

This was the debut film not only for Rajkumar, but it was also a debut for Narasimhraju, one of the most popular comedy actors of the Kannada Cinema and G. V. Iyer a scriptwriter.

The other importance of this film is Dr. Rajkumar himself with his father had seen the film at the first show in Mysore.

The big success of the film inspired to dub it in Tamil as Vedan Kannappa, it also became box-office hit. Later it was also remade in Telugu as Kalahasti Mahatyam, Rajkumar himself acted in the lead role with other Telugu actors and it became the only non-Kannada language film of Dr. Rajkumar in his vast filmy career.

Both Bedara Kannappa and Kalahasti Mahatyam were directed by H. L. N. Simha.

The amazing success of Bedara Kannappa had become an inspiration for the Kannada filmmakers to make more and more films. This film changed the face of the Kannada Cinema, for the first time Kannada film industry had received wide recognition at the national level by winning National Film Award.

Above all the film Bedara Kannappa had given a gem like an actor Dr. Rajkumar to the Kannada film industry, the presence of Rajkumar in the Kannada Cinema made it richer and famous.

By all these reasons Bedara Kannappa is a noteworthy and a milestone in the history of Kannada cinema.

Who were the leading actresses that had worked with Dr. Rajkumar in most films? Who was the person who acted with him in the highest films as a leading actress?

 Dr. Rajkumar had acted with almost all leading actresses of South cinema in his life time. The actresses who had acted with him in most films were the renowned actresses such as:

Jaya Prada in 4 films:

Dr. Rajkumar with Jaya Prada had acted in the block-buster films like Sanadi Appanna in 1977, Huliya Haalina Mevu in 1979, Kavirathna Kalidasa in 1983 and Shabdavedhi in 2000.

Sanadi Appanna was the first Kannada film of Jaya Prada, completed 100 days in several centres. Rajkumar did the title role and Ustad Bismillah Khan played Shehanai for Rajkumar's character, Rajkumar had shown his gratitude towards Bismillah Khan by saying that he just acted in the film but Ustad Bismillah Khan is the real soul of the film who gave life to his character.

Huliya Haalina Mevu was Rajkumar's first cinemascope film, Jayachitra also acted as a leading actress.

Rajkumar did title role of Kalidasa in Kaviratna Kalidasa and Jaya Prada as Vidhyadhare. It is one of the all time top grossers of Kannada Cinema.

Shabdavedi was an action film, the duo appeared as husband and wife. It has become the last film of Dr. Rajkumar.

Saritha in 5 films:

With Saritha Rajkumar he had acted in the films like Keralida Simha in 1981, Hosa Belaku and Chalisuva Modagalu in 1982, Kamana Billu and Bhakta Prahlada in 1983. All were big grossing films, the duo's screen chemistry in the films Hosa Belaku and Chalisuva Modagalu got popularized.

Geetha in 5 films:

The films in which the duo acted are Dhruva Thaare in 1983, Anuraga Aralithu in 1986, Shruthi Seridaga in 1987, Devatha Manushya in 1988 and Aakasmika in 1993. All were the big block-buster films. Except Devatha Manushya in all the films there were 2 heroins.

Kanchana in 5 films:

The duo acted in Babruvahana as leading actors in 1977, Nanobba Kalla (she appeared as a wife & a mother of Rajkumar who was in dual role) in 1977, Shankar Guru (she did wife and mother's role of Rajkumar who was in triple role) in 1978, Bhakta Prahlada (she was in a supporting role) in 1983, Samayada Gombe (mother's role) in Devatha Manushya (Mother in law's role) in 1988

Lakshmi in 5 films:

Goadalli CID 999 in 1968, in which for the first time Lakshmi did a role of a leading actress in her career, Naa Ninna Marayalare in 1976, it was a big block-buster film, Olavu Geluvu in 1977, Nanobba Kalla in 1979 and Ravichandra in 1980.

Jayamala in 6 films:

They acted in Daari Tappida Maga in 1975, Thrimurthy in 1975 (it was Parvathamma Rajkumar's first productional and first distribution film, Rajkumar did triple role and it was a big hit film), Premada Kanike in 1976, Giri Kanye and Babruvahana in 1977 and Shankar Guru in 1978.

Manjula in 7 films:

Muruvare Vajragalu in 1973, Eradu Kanasu, Sampathige Sawal, Bhakta Kumbara and Sri Srinivasa Kalyana in 1974, Daari Tappida Maga and Mayura in 1975. All the films were of different genres and all were big hit films. Their screen chemistry in Sampathige Sawal got popularized.

Madhavi in 7 films:

Dr. Rajkumar and Madhavi were one of the most popular pairs of the Kannada Cinema, their screen chemistry was very nice and had given several block-buster films such as Halu Jenu in 1982, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and Anuraga Aralithu in 1986, Shruthi Seridaga 1987, Jeevana Chaitra in 1992, Aakasmika in 1993 and Odahuttidavaru in 1994.

Krishna Kumari in 8 films:

With this 1950s, 60s actress Krishna Kumari, Rajkumar acted in the films such as Bhakta Kanakadasa, Asha Sundari and Dashavathara in 1960, in Shrishyla Mahatme in 1961, acted in Swarna Gowri and Mahatma Kabir in 1962, Chandrakumara in 1963 and Sathi Savitri in 1965. Except 1954’s film Jaladurga, Krishna Kumari had acted with Rajkumar in all her Kannada films.

Rajasree in 10 films:

She acted as a leading actress with Rajkumar in the films such as Mr. Rajkumar and C. I. D Rajanna in 1970. She acted in supporting roles in several films of Rajkumar such as Aasha Sundari, Dashavatara, Swarna Gowri, Karuneye Kutumbada Kannu, Kanntheredu Nodu and Chandavalliya Thota in 1960s.

Harini in 11 films :

Among all of their films, Naandi is a great film which was released in 1964, it's referred as the first film which depicts the individuals who struggle with the hearing impairments. It was the first Kannada movie to be screened at the International Film Festival. The film received high recognition and appreciation upon the release. It was produced by Harinis brother Vadiraj. Their film Nanda Deepaa in 1963 was a major popular and acclaimed film that received National Film Award for Best Kannada film.

B. Saroja Devi in 12 films:

She is referred as the first female superstar of the Kannada cinema. She is the only Indian actress to perform as a leading heroine in 161 consecutive films in 29 years in between 1955 - 1984. The most iconic films of Rajkumar and B. Saroja Devi are Mallammana Pavada in 1969 , Nyayave Devaru in 1971, Sri Srinivasa Kalyana in 1974, Babruvahana 1977 and Bhagyavantharu in 1977.

Aarathi in 13 films:

In the begining of her career she appeared in supporting roles in several Rajkumar's films such as Kasturi Nivasa and Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama in 1972, Sipayi Ramu and Bangarada Manushya in 1972. Later on she appeared as a leading actress opposite Rajkumar in the films like Bhale Huchcha in 1972, Bangarada Panjara in 1974, Bahadur Gandu in 1976, Premada Kanike in 1976, and Raja Nanna Raja in 1976.

Pandari Bhai in 18 films:

She was considered as the first successful Kannada actress who acted as a heroine as well as a mother to Rajkumar. She was the heroine in Rajkumar's debut film Bedara Kannappa in 1954, further they acted as a leading pair in Bhakta Vijaya, Rayara Sose, Sati Nalaayini in 1950s and Satya Harishchandra in 1964. Later on she did mother's roles to Rajkumar in the films such as Bangarada Panjara in 1974, Anuraga Aralithu in 1986, Shruthi Seridaga in 1987, Jeevana Chaitra in 1992 and Aakasmika in 1994, in Rajkumar‘s Chalisuva Modagalu she did a supporting role.

Kalpana in 19 films:

She was referred as Minugu Thare (Shining Star) and the greatest actress of the Kannada cinema. In 1963s film Saaku Magalu, Kalapna did the role of a foster sister of Rajkumar, in Bala Nagamma in 1966 she did a negative role. In the iconic film Naandi, she appeared as the first wife of Rajkumar's character. Some of the noted films of the duo are Bidugade, Bangarada Hoovu, Dari Tappida Maga, Eeradu Kanasu and Gandhada Gudi.

Bharati in 26 films:

In all 26 films the duo appeared as leading actors. She also paired with Rajkumar in a maximum 6 films in which he did multiple roles. In their fantastic pair, several hit films had come one after the other until 1973s beginning with Sandhya Raga in 1966. The duo's well known films are Mayor Mutthanna, Sri Krishna Devaraya, Bangarada Manushya and Doorada Betta.

Among all films, Bangarada Manushya is the most iconic film and was screened for 2 years in a single thetre in Bangalore. The duo's portrayals of Rajeeva and Lakshmi remained memorable among the audience.

Leelavathi in 28 films:

She has the record for acting as a leading heroine as well as in various supporting roles with Rajkumar such as like daughter in Bhoodana, as daughter-in-law in Kittur Chennamma, as sister in Vaatsalya , as a sister-in-law (elder brother's wife) in Premamayi and as younger brother’s wife in Kalitaru Henne, as paternal aunt in Shravana Banthu and as a mother-in-law in Naa Ninna Marayalare, Vasantha Geetha and Jwalamukhi.

In 1960s and 70s as a leading actors the duo acted in the noted films such as Ranadheera Kanteerava, Bhakta Thukaram, Rani Honnamma, Sipai Ramu, Gali Gopura, Kanyaratna, Kanntheredu Nodu, Kulavadhu, Gange Gowri, Veera Kesari, Naa Mechchida Hudugi and Bhakta Kumbara.

The actress who had acted with Dr. Rajkumar in the highest number of films is one of the renowned Kannada actresses of yesteryears, Jayanti. The duo acted in the highest number of 38 films as leading actors.

For the first time they paired together in Chandavalliya Thota in 1960s. The most noted films of the duo were in 1960s and 70s like, Lagna Patrike, Kiladi Ranga, Immadi Pulakeshi, Jedara Bale, Bangalore Mail, Rowdy Ranganna, Choori Chikkanna, Bhale Raja, Sri Krishnadevaraya, Kasturi Nivasa, Baalu Belagitu, Kula Gowrava, Paropkari, Kranthi Veera, Nanda Gokula and Bahaddhur Gandu in 1976.

Apart from the above actresses, Rajkumar had acted with the well known Bollywood actress Rekha in the film Operation Jackpot Nalli C. I. D 999. Through this film Rekha made her debut as a leading actress.

Sabeetha Perera, Sri Lanka based actress also made her Indian movie debut with Rajkumar in the film Goa Dalli CID 999.

Some of the other actresses who worked with Rajkumar as leading actresses were Jamuna, Jayachitra, Ambika, Gayathri, Sumalatha, Urvashi, Archana, Padma Priya and other several actresses. At that time it was a pride and a dream for any South Indian actress to act with Dr. Rajkumar on the silver screen. Rajkumar had a good screen chemistry with almost all actresses throughout his filmy career, in his early career with Leelavati, then Bharathi, then Madhavi and Jaya Prada. The first heroine who worked with Rajkumar was Pandari Bhai in Bedara Kannappa and his last heroine was Jaya Prada in Shabdavedi. His vast filmy career had spread from 1954 to 2000.