Raj birth anniversary celebrated in Belagavi

Caption: Kannada's veteran actor Dr Rajkumar's 97th birth anniversary was celebrated with enthusiasm on Friday/D S Chougale, senior playwright-literateur, addressed the eventBelagavi: Matinee idol Dr Rajkumar's 97th birth anniversary was celebrated with enthusiasm at Varta Bhavan here on Friday. The programme was jointly organised by the information and public relations department and the district administration. Speaking while inaugurating the celebration, corporation commissioner M Kartik said Dr Rajkumar's simple and polite manners are a model for everyone. "He lives in public memory through his acting, singing, social service and efforts to preserve Kannada. The power of his voice is the reason why his songs remain unforgettable in the minds of people even today. In the coming days, we have to celebrate his birth anniversary with even more pomp and show," he added.D S Chougale, senior playwright-literateur, said Rajkumar has made a home in the minds of every common man. "Dr Rajkumar came from the theatre and grew up as a people's leader. He humbly used to say that the theatre gave and taught him everything. Growing up under the guidance of Gubbi Veeranna, he rose to great heights, and it is an exciting story. Coming from a socially, economically and weak class, the growth of Mutturaj (maiden name) growth was not a sudden achievement. He grew up as Rajkumar due to his passion for art, belief in his own abilities, dedication and commitment to work, and the extraordinary talent. He treated everyone with the utmost respect. Rajkumar saw god in his fans. His life was not a path of flowers — it was a difficult path. It is a blessing for all of us that a person like Dr Rajkumar was born in Kannada land," he said.Gurunath Kadabur, deputy director of the information and public relations department, recalled that Dr Rajkumar, who is the identity of Kannada language and literature, has made a huge contribution to social reforms through his films.Mutturaj of Gandharva Lahari Melodies Orchestra from Gokak presented Rajkumar's songs.