Sandalwood misses a leader like Rajkumar :TOI

Sandalwood misses a leader like Rajkumar

On his B'day, actors feel industry wouldn't be controversy-ridden with him around

For Sandalwood and the people of Karnataka, Dr Rajkumar was more than just a matinee idol. The actor, who passed away six years ago, was a role model and a leader for industry members. In the years since his passing, though, the most notable thing to have happened is the anarchy in the Kannada film industry. Each day there is a new controversy. This, say those close to the late actor, would not have been the case had Dr Rajkumar still been around. Which is also why the industry misses him and remembers him fondly on his birth anniversary. Baraguru Ramachandrappa, a close family friend of the Rajkumar's, says that while Sandalwood has a lot of stars, there is no leader. "His passing has created a void, which cannot be filled by anyone else. Rajkumar never wanted to be a leader, but leadership was thrust upon him. Today, anyone and everyone wants to become a leader and solve the industry's issues," he says.

'Rajkumar never failed as a hero'


Senior actor Ambareesh, who is widely seen as Rajkumar's successor in leading Sandalwood on the right path, however, says that no one can be like Rajkumar, because he was far more than just a star. "He was a super human being and that's why I adore him," he says. But what
made him stand out the most, says actor Ramya, was his simplicity. "I did my first film, Abhi, a Rajkumar home production. When I first met him, I was astonished by his simplicity. If he was alive today, I'm sure the industry would not have had these many controversies arising," she says.
Agrees filmmaker Dorai Bhagavan, who has directed Rajkumar's films. "Rajkumar was known for his ethics. He has done 208 films as a hero, out of which many were hits and some flops. But as a hero, Rajkumar never failed. He never exactly knew the remuneration that he was taking home, as his passion was cinema and not money. In fact, when he heard that one of his films flopped, he paid the producer 40 lakh. That was his greatness," says Dorai.
Puneeth, known for emulating his father, Rajkumar says, "It is an honour that people across the state celebrate Appaji's birthday. Our day will start by going to the samadhi, which will be followed by a day-long blood donation camp and anna dhana."
Contributed by Mahesh H

Dr Rajkumar

Dr Rajkumar