Rajkumar

Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju better known by his screen name Rajkumar was a popular actor and singer in the Kannada film industry. He is considered a cultural icon of Kannada where he is also known as Rajanna, Natasarvabhouma (emperor of acting), Gaana Gandharva (singer in the court of Gods), and as Annavru (beloved elder brother).Rajkumar entered the film industry at the age of eight and got his first break as a lead in the 1954-film Bedara Kannappa and went on to work in over 220 films. At the age of 71, he was kidnapped in Gajanur (the place where he brought up) by forest brigand Veerappan until a 108-day ordeal when he was released. He died of cardiac arrest at his residence in Bangalore on 12 April 2006. In his film career, Rajkumar received nine Karnataka State Film Awards, ten South Filmfare Awards, two National Film Awards and aNational Film Award for Best Playback Singer. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mysore, and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Rajkumar acted only in Kannada movies throughout his life. Only one movie Kalahasti Mahatyam was released in Telugu with voice dubbing of the Kannada film Bedara Kannappa. In his lifetime, Rajkumar acted in 206 Kannada movies, excluding guest appearances. He was a very respectable personality in Sandalwood..
He can never be forgotten..!!

-An article by vishAwish.com