Dr. Rajkumar: Difference between revisions

| birth_place        = [[Gajanur, Tamil Nadu|Gajanur]], [[British India]]  

| occupation        = {{hlist|Actor|singer}}

| movement          = [[Gokak agitation]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.bangalorenotes.com/raj.pdf | title = Economic and Political Weekly – Rajkumar and Kannada Nationalism | publisher = Bangalorenotes.com | access-date = 30 October 2013}}</ref>

'''Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj''' (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006),<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Singh | first1 = Kuldip | title = Rajkumar – Demigod of southern Indian film | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/rajkumar-6103761.html | website = [[The Independent]] | access-date = 23 April 2017 | date = 13 April 2006}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Dr. Rajkumar''',{{Efn|He was credited as simply Rajkumar before he was awarded an honorary doctorate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 24, 2017|title=All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/88th-birthday-rajkumar-kannada-actor-google-doodle-973313-2017-04-24|access-date=2021-07-28|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>|name=Note}}<!-- He has been credited with a doctorate title ever since he was awarded one. So his stage name includes Dr too. --> was an Indian actor and singer who worked in [[Kannada cinema]]. Regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/remembering-dr-rajkumar-lesser-known-facts-trivia-about-legendary-annavaru-818308|title = Remembering Dr Rajkumar: Lesser-known facts and trivia about the legendary 'Annavaru'|website=Amp.ibtimes.co.in|date = 24 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-04-24|title=Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-lifestyle/here-are-some-must-watch-iconic-films-of-dr-rajkumar-829441.html|access-date=2020-06-26|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref> and a versatile actor,<ref>{{cite web|title=Not just a star, an icon - Indian Express|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/not-just-a-star-an-icon/2354/|website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada actor Rajkumar dies of heart attack |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Kannada-actor-Rajkumar-dies-of-heart-attack/articleshow/1487948.cms|website=The Times of India}}</ref> he is considered a [[cultural icon]] and holds a [[matinée idol]] status in the [[Kannada people|Kannada diaspora]],<ref>{{cite journal|last=Katakam|first=Anupama|date=8 December 2000|title=The eternal Kannada icon|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1724/17240160.htm|journal=Frontline|location=Bangalore}}</ref><ref name="pride">{{cite journal|last=Sharma|first=Ravi|date=5 May 2006|title=Pride of Kannada|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2308/stories/20060505002309800.htm|journal=Frontline|location=Bangalore}}</ref> among whom he is popularly called as ''Nata Saarvabhouma'' (emperor of actors), ''Bangarada Manushya'' (man of gold), ''Vara Nata'' (gifted actor), ''Gaana Gandharva'' (God of singing), ''Rasikara Raja'' (king of connoisseurs), ''Kannada Kanteerava'' and ''Rajanna''/''Annavru'' (elder brother, Raj). He was honoured with [[Padma Bhushan]] in 1983 and [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-dr-rajkumar-is-the-only-actor-to-have-won-the-very-prestigious-karnataka-ratna-award/amp_articleshow/82026517.cms | title=Did you know? Dr. Rajkumar is the only actor to have won the very prestigious Karnataka Ratna award - Times of India }}</ref> He is the only lead actor to win [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|National Award for singing]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/fyi/story/88th-birthday-rajkumar-kannada-actor-google-doodle-973313-2017-04-24|title=All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday|newspaper=[[India Today]]|access-date=7 June 2022}}</ref> His 35 movies have been remade 58 times in 9 languages by 34 actors making him the first actor whose movies were remade more than fifty times <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chithrapatha.com/thirty-five-years-for-anuraga-aralitu/|title=ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳ 'ಅನುರಾಗ ಅರಳಿತು' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ 35 ವರ್ಷ|date=15 September 2021|website=Chitrapatha.com|access-date=7 June 2022}}</ref> and the first actor whose movies were remade in nine languages.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.udayavani.com/cinema/balcony-sandalwood-news/raj-festival-a-mirror-of-the-grooms-novel-films| title = ರಾಜ್‌ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ |website=Udayavani.com}}</ref> He was the first actor in India to enact a role which was based on [[James Bond]] in a full-fledged manner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Versions of James Bond in Kannada |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2012/oct/18/versions-of-james-bond-in-kannada-416388.html |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The success of his movie ''[[Jedara Bale]]'' is credited to have widely inspired a Desi bond genre in other Indian film industries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-19 |title=When Rajkumar went by the name 'Agent 999' |url=https://southword.thestate.news/theme-specials/2018/04/24/the-kannada-bond-movie |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182236/https://southword.thestate.news/theme-specials/2018/04/24/the-kannada-bond-movie |archive-date=19 August 2018 }}</ref> On the occasion of the "Centenary of Indian Cinema" in April 2013, [[Forbes]] included his performance in ''[[Bangaarada Manushya]]'' on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema".<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/1| title = Forbes India - 25 Greatest Acting Performances Of Indian Cinema}}</ref>

He is the only Indian actor to be awarded the [[Kentucky Colonel]], the highest honour bestowed by the Commonwealth of [[Kentucky]] in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-dr-rajkumar-was-the-first-actor-in-india-to-receive-a-doctorate-in-acting/amp_articleshow/76027478.cms|title = Did you know? Dr Rajkumar was the first actor in India to receive a doctorate in acting - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/fyi/story/88th-birthday-rajkumar-kannada-actor-google-doodle-973313-2017-04-24|title=All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday|website=India Today}}</ref> Well known for his highly disciplined and simple lifestyle in both personal and professional fronts, Rajkumar was also an avid [[Yoga]], [[Pranayama]], and [[Carnatic music]] performer. In 2000, he was [[Kidnapping of Rajkumar|kidnapped]] from his farmhouse at Gajanur by [[Veerappan]] and was released after 108 days.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20120917041006/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-07-29/bangalore/27220303_1_audio-cassette-tada-veerappan Times of India – Total recall of 109 days of kidnap drama]. ''The Times of India''. (29 July 2001).</ref> He died of cardiac arrest at his residence in [[Bangalore]] on 12 April 2006 at the age of 76.<ref name="archive.deccanherald.com">[http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/Apr142006/index2050442006413.asp Deccan Herald News Service – Eight deaths and a funeral]. ''Deccan Herald''. (14 April 2006).</ref> His eyes were donated as per his last wish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/thespian-rajkumar-s-eyes-donated-doctor/story-WsW8tCZUlJLCn2RLRMp7iJ.html|title=Thespian Rajkumar's eyes donated: Doctor|date=12 April 2006|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

In his film career, Rajkumar received eleven [[Karnataka State Film Awards]], including nine [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] and two [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Singer]] awards, eight [[Filmfare Awards South]] and one [[National Film Award]].<ref name="1993nfa">{{cite web | url = http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm40thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=40NFA.pdf | title = 40th National Film Festival | work = Directorate of Film Festivals | publisher = dff.nic.in | access-date = 18 September 2011 | pages = 49–50|url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151008114601/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm40thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=40NFA.pdf | archive-date = 8 October 2015}}</ref> He holds the record of receiving [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada]] and [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor]] the highest number of times. He received the [[NTR National Award]] in 2002. He was awarded an [[honorary doctorate]] from the [[University of Mysore]],<ref name="NIE doctorate">{{cite web | url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/apr/24/google-doodles-legendary-kannada-actor-dr-rajkumar-on-88th-birth-anniversary-1597136.html | title = Google doodles legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar on 88th birth anniversary | access-date = 24 November 2017}}</ref> and is a recipient of the [[Padma Bhushan]] (1983)<ref name="Padma Awards Directory 1954-2009">{{cite web | title = Padma Awards Directory(1954–2009) | url = http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/LST-PDAWD.pdf | publisher = Ministry of Home Affairs | access-date = 14 December 2010|url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510095705/http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/LST-PDAWD.pdf | archive-date = 10 May 2013}}</ref> and the [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (1995) for lifetime contribution to [[Indian cinema]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Dadasaheb Phalke Award Winners | url = http://www.filmfed.org/DPA-Winner.html | publisher = [[Film Federation of India]] | access-date = 11 May 2014}}</ref> A mega icon and a socio-cultural symbol of Kannada,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/Exploring-a-phenomenon-called-Annavaru/articleshow/22223220.cms|title=Exploring a phenomenon called Annavaru|website=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref> he has been credited with redefining [[Kannada cinema]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-requiem-for-Dr-Rajkumar/articleshow/1489087.cms|title=A requiem for Dr. Rajkumar|website=The Times of India|date=13 April 2006 }}</ref> and also putting the [[Kannada cinema]] on the national map.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-cinema-from-actors-to-demigods-the-first-superstars-of-cinema-896530.html|title=100 Years of Cinema: From actors to demigods; the first superstars of cinema|date=2 March 2013|website=News18}}</ref> He was the first actor to play the lead role in 100 as well as 200 Kannada movies.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/when-dr-rajkumar-boarded-a-lorry|title=When Dr Rajkumar boarded a lorry|website=newsable.asianetnews.com}}</ref> His 1986 movie ''[[Anuraga Aralithu]]'' was the first Indian movie to be remade in seven other languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/not-rajinikanth-or-amitabh-bachchan-rajkumar-s-film-was-first-to-be-remade-in-6-languages-in-india-q9ykmn|title=Not Rajinikanth or Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar's film was first to be remade in 6 languages in India|website=newsable.asianetnews.com}}</ref>

Muthuraj started his acting career with his father in a drama troupe led by [[Gubbi Veeranna]]<ref name="gubbi">{{cite web | url = http://kannada.webdunia.com/entertainment/regionalcinema/newsgossips/1104/12/1110412017_1.htm | title = Dr. Raj Kumar &#124; ನಟಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮ 'ರಾಜ್' ಐದನೇ ಪುಣ್ಯತಿಥಿ | publisher = Kannada.webdunia.com | access-date = 30 October 2013}}</ref> and later joined the drama company of [[Subbaiah Naidu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/theater/kannada-film-actor-dr-rajkumar-and-his-singing-theatre-songs-825236.html|title=ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಮತ್ತು ರಂಗಗೀತೆಗಳು|website=Prajavani.net|date=25 April 2021}}</ref> In 1953, he was spotted by film director H. L. N. Simha, who was on the lookout for well-built, pleasant-faced man for the starring role in film, ''[[Bedara Kannappa]]''.<ref name="pride" /> Simha eventually signed Muthuraj for the film and named him Rajkumar.<ref name="gubbi"/>

He acted in 205 movies in lead roles.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Seetalabavi | first1 = P. Nayak, M. | title = Swarnasetu 2014: ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ KKNC Annual Publication | publisher = RG Kannada e-Publisher | page = 44 | url = https://ooks.google.co.in/books?id=CFIqDAAAQBAJ&pbg=PA44 | ref = seta | language = kn}}</ref> He owned a production company called ''Sri Vajreshwari Combines'' under the banner ''Dakshayani Combines''. ''[[Bhagyada Bagilu]]'' was his 100th film,<ref>{{cite news | title = Swept away by the wave | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/swept-away-by-the-wave/article3217929.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 21 April 2006 | access-date = 13 May 2014}}</ref> ''[[Devatha Manushya]]'' was his 200th film and ''[[Shabdavedhi (film)|Shabdavedhi]]'' was his last film.<ref>{{cite news| title = S Narayan directed Rajkumar's last film | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know-/S-Narayan-directed-Rajkumars-last-film/articleshow/45614498.cms | newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

His historical movies such as ''[[Ranadheera Kanteerava]]'', ''[[Immadi Pulikeshi (film)|Immadi Pulikeshi]]'', ''[[Sri Krishnadevaraya (film)|Sri Krishnadevaraya]]'' and ''[[Mayura (film)|Mayura]]'' presented a populist version of [[History of Karnataka|Karnataka's history]], focusing on the Karnataka kingdoms such as [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore royalty]], [[Chalukya dynasty|The Chalukyas]], [[Vijayanagara Empire|The Vijayanagara Empire]] and [[Kadamba dynasty|The Kadambas]] respectively<ref name="frontlineonnet1">{{cite web | url = http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1724/17240160.htm | title = Frontline : In-depth analysis of issues and events in India and around the world | publisher = Frontlineonnet.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 |url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120921000309/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1724/17240160.htm | archive-date = 21 September 2012}}</ref> - thereby making him the only Indian actor to have portrayed the role of four prominent kings of Indian history - [[Kanthirava Narasaraja I]], [[Pulakeshin II]], [[Krishnadevaraya]] and [[Mayurasharma]]. He also appeared as [[Bijjala II]] in ''[[Jagajyothi Basveshwara]]'' and as Raja Mallasarja in ''[[Kittur Chennamma (film)|Kittur Chennamma]]''.

Between 1954 to 1969, Kannada film industry produced 207 movies within a span of 15 years and Rajkumar starred in 100 of those.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/fans-now-play-a-big-role-behind-the-scenes-975199.html|title=Fans now play a big role behind the scenes|date=16 April 2021|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=7 June 2022}}</ref> While the early 60s saw him appearing in [[fantasy]] genre movies such as ''[[Rani Honnamma]]'' (1960), ''[[Aasha Sundari]]'' (1960), ''[[Devasundari]]'' (1962), ''[[Bala Nagamma (1966 film)|Bala Nagamma]]''(1966) and ''[[Devara Gedda Manava]]''(1967), he was also noted for doing [[swashbuckler film]]s such as ''[[Vidhivilasa]]'' (1962), ''[[Veera Kesari]]'' (1963), ''[[Katari Veera]]'' (1966), ''[[Madhu Malathi]]'' (1966), ''[[Simha Swapna]]'' (1968), ''[[Jaga Mecchida Maga]]'' (1972), ''[[Bahaddur Gandu]]'' (1976) and ''[[Huliya Haalina Mevu]]'' (1979) at regular intervals in the 1960s and the 1970s.

When Rajkumar appeared as '''CID 999''' in ''[[Jedara Bale]]'', he became the first Indian actor to enact a spy role modelled on [[James Bond]] in a full-fledged manner <ref>{{cite news | last = Vijayasarathy | first = R.G. | title = The best of Dr Rajkumar | publisher = Rediff India Abroad | date = 17 April 2006 | url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17raj.htm | access-date = 25 September 2007}}</ref> and was called the ''James Bond of India''.<ref name="amarujala.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/late-kannada-superstar-rajkumar-birthday-special-veerappan-had-kidnapped-actor-for-extortion|title=Rajkumar Birthday: जब भारतीय सिनेमा के 'जेम्स बॉन्ड' को वीरप्पन ने कर लिया था अगवा, 108 दिनों बाद हुई थी रिहाई|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi}}</ref> The success of this movie led to three sequels: ''[[Goa Dalli CID 999]]'', ''[[Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999]]'' and ''[[Operation Diamond Racket]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2012/oct/18/versions-of-james-bond-in-kannada-416388.html|title=Versions of James Bond in Kannada|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chitraloka.com/history/3876-history-49-james-bond-style-in-kannada.html|title=History 49 - James Bond Style in Kannada|website=Chitraloka.com}}</ref><ref>[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2010/shivaraj-kumar-james-bond-200710.html Shivaraj Kumar to play James Bond in Operation Golden Gang]. Entertainment.oneindia.in (20 July 2010).</ref> The ''CID 999 Franchise'' was the first Indian movie franchise to have four installments and CID 999 was the first character based trilogy in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://silverscreen.in/hindi/features/feluda-to-sethurama-iyer-indias-best-detectives-in-film-fiction/|title=Feluda To Sethurama Iyer: India's Best Detectives in Film & Fiction - Silverscreen.in|date=2016-04-07|newspaper=Silverscreen.in|language=en-US|access-date=2016-10-14}}</ref><ref name="amarujala.com"/><ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com">Balakrishnan, Ravi. (10 May 2008) [http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/the-name-is-kumar-raj-kumar/articleshow/3026795.cms Economic Times – The name is Kumar, Raj Kumar]. ''The Economic Times''.</ref>

His movie ''[[Operation Diamond Racket]]'' was shot in Nepal and became the first Kannada movie to be shot outside India. His movie ''[[Ondu Muttina Kathe]]'' was reported to be the first ever Indian film to have an underwater action sequence shot in an ocean<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31806&articlexml=DID-YOU-KNOW--21072017110007|title=The Times Group|date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011751/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31806&articlexml=DID-YOU-KNOW--21072017110007|archive-date=10 October 2018}}</ref> outside India<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/OnduMuttina-Kathe-is-the-first-Indian-movie-to-be-shot-under-water/articleshow/31327553.cms|title=Ondu Muttina Kathe is the first Indian movie to be shot under water|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> without the help of oxygen mask.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9H2VraGw0c |title=Shankar Nag's Last Interview – Full |via=[[YouTube]] |date=2013-11-09 |access-date=2021-02-08}}</ref>

After his death, two audio companies - Saregama India Limited and Mars Recording Private Limited - were pitted against each other over the copyright of his songs as per [[Copyright law in India|Section 52(j) of The Copyright Act, 1957]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/hc-to-decide-ownership-of-rajkumar-songs/articleshow/45749612.cms|title=HC to decide ownership of Rajkumar songs - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

He was also praised for his ability to integrate the virtues of an actor with the power of a superstar without letting one erase the other by acting as a gulf between the mainstream popular movies and the artistic cinemas.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elzjCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT42|title=Legends of Indian Silver Screen|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|isbn=9788123021164|via=Google Books}}</ref> It was also noted that it was his subtle acting prowess, spontaneous style and his flair to give the reel characters a real credibility which singled him out to the top and helped him to never be out of the running by withstanding the onslaught of time, age and the ever changing demands of celluloid world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/12rajobit.htm|title=Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema|website=Rediff}}</ref>

[[Jnanapith Award|Jnanapith awardee]] [[U. R. Ananthamurthy]] had noted that movies of Rajkumar were less melodramatic in comparison to the movies of his counterparts at that time in other languages—[[M.G. Ramachandran|MGR]], [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[N.T. Ramarao|NTR]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-maryada-purushotham/story-Ej0BCH4patwj5lMvMdN4iM.html|title=The ?Maryada Purushotham?|date=15 April 2006|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

Rajkumar made movies against perceived social evils throughout his career. His debut movie ''[[Bedara Kannappa]]'' (1954) spoke about social discrimination.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.telugucinema.com/Bhakta-Kannappa-1976-Retrospective| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308085524/http://www.telugucinema.com/Bhakta-Kannappa-1976-Retrospective| archive-date = 2016-03-08| title = Bhakta Kannappa (1976) - Retrospective {{!}} telugucinema.com}}</ref> The 1957 movie ''[[Rayara Sose]]'' speaks against the evil practice of [[dowry]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46|title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film|first=M. K.|last=Raghavendra|date=22 June 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199088430|via=Google Books}}</ref> The 1958 movie ''[[Shree Krishna Gaarudi]]'', which narrates the bickering and squabbling among the Pandavas for portfolios, allegorizes the politics in the then newly formed Mysore state.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kurukshetra-movie-review-the-mahabharta-is-told-more-with-more-focus-on-flesh-than-the-spirit-7139721.html|title=Kurukshetra movie review: The Mahabharta is told more with more focus on flesh, than the spirit - Entertainment News, Firstpost|date=10 August 2019|website=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46 | title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film| isbn=9780199088430| last1=k Raghavendra| first1=M.| date=22 June 2011}}</ref>

The 1962 movie ''[[Bhoodana]]'' was based [[Vinoba Bhave]]'s [[Bhoodan movement]] and speaks about the religious conversion of the marginalized.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/bhoodana-the-classic-at-55/article8607600.ece|title=Bhoodana: the classic at 55|first=Deepa|last=Ganesh|newspaper=The Hindu|date=16 May 2016}}</ref> The 1964 movie ''[[Naandi (film)|Naandi]]'' was acclaimed for capturing the real-time plights of those with hearing impairments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/international-mother-language-day-films-in-bengali-gujarati-kannada-kashmiri-assamese-marathi-maithili-and-odia/cid/1747332|title='Movie' over the subtitle barrier with these must-watch films in 8 Indian languages|website=Telegraphindia.com}}</ref> The 1967 movie ''[[Bangarada Hoovu]]'' spoke about misconceptions about [[leprosy]]<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1517094757876604929|user=NFAIOfficial|title=#FaceOfTheWeek #Rajkumar and Kalpana starred in the leading roles in this passionate romantic tale, #BangaradaHoovu…|date=21 April 2022}}</ref> - especially the notion that leprosy is a consequence of one's past sins.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=bangarada+hoovu+speaks+about+leprosy&pg=PT76|title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film|isbn=9780199088430|last1=k Raghavendra|first1=M.|date=22 June 2011}}</ref> The 1968 movie ''[[Hannele Chiguridaga]]'' deals with the empowerment of women in education and [[Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856|widow marriage]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/walking-the-pioneers-path/article2273510.ece|title=Walking the pioneer's path|newspaper=The Hindu|date=24 August 2007}}</ref> The 1968 movie ''[[Mannina Maga]]'' depicted the difficulty of sustaining community life in a city resulting in turn away from it in favour of a village.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/bangalore-in-kannada-films/articleshow/72115209.cms |title=Bangalore in Kannada films |website=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119073743/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/bangalore-in-kannada-films/articleshow/72115209.cms |archive-date=2019-11-19}}</ref> The 1969 movie ''[[Uyyale]]'' presents a delicate tale of the extra-marital love of a woman neglected by her husband <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dr-rajkumar-s-uyyale-in-iffi-retrospective-778491.html|title=Dr Rajkumar's 'Uyyale' in IFFI retrospective|date=21 November 2019|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|access-date=7 June 2022}}</ref> reflecting the social and moral laws of married life.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1530469237860745216|user=NFAIOfficial|title=#SaturdayVibes: Kalpana in acclaimed #Kannada film #Uyyale (1969). The film presents a delicate tale of the extra-m…|date=28 May 2022}}</ref> The 1969 movie ''[[Mayor Muthanna]]'' had a sub-plot of salvaging of the sub-standard grain and [[black market]]ing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tribute-to-director-siddalingaiah-on-his-83rd-birth-anniversary-which-falls-on-december-15/article30295337.ece|title=Remembering S Siddalingaiah, destined to direct|first=Shilpa Sebastian|last=R|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 December 2019}}</ref>

Bollywood actor [[Anil Kapoor]] had called him "The emperor of all actors".<ref>{{Cite news|title= Dr. Rajkumar is the emperor of all actors{{!}} Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-is-the-emperor-of-all-actors-says-anil-kapoor/articleshow/71091453.cms|access-date=2021-03-08|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> [[Rana Daggubati]] had revealed that he had referred Rajkumar's performance in the 1983 movie ''[[Bhakta Prahlada (1983 film)|Bhakta Prahlada]]'' for his preparation for the role of Hiranyakashipu.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/life-style/spotlight/i-had-failed-class-10-but-that-did-not-discourage-me-from-following-my-dreams-rana-daggubati/amp_articleshow/74044417.cms|title = I had failed Class 10, but that did not discourage me from following my dreams: Rana Daggubati - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]| last1=Chakravorty | first1=Joyeeta }}</ref>

In 2018, in the run up to the relaunch of [[Jawa Moto|Jawa motorbikes]], the marketing team of [[Mahindra & Mahindra]] used the climax bike stunt sequence of his 1976 movie ''[[Naa Ninna Mareyalare]]'' as a part of their promotion strategy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newskarnataka.com/bangalore/dr-rajs-film-sequence-sets-prelude-to-iconic-jawas-comeback|title=Dr Raj's film sequence sets prelude to iconic Jawa's comeback|website=NewsKarnataka|date=13 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Mahindra used na ninna mareyalare scenes for promotion &#124; ಜಾವಾ ಹೊಸ ಬೈಕ್ ಪ್ರಚಾರ: ಈಗಲೂ ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರದ್ದೇ ಹವಾ..! |url=https://kannada.news18.com/amp/news/national-international/mahindra-used-na-ninna-mareyalare-scenes-for-promotion-110197.html|url-status=live|website=kannada.news18.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/the-end-of-an-ideal/articleshow/67109219.cms|title=The End of an Ideal|website=The Times of India|date=15 December 2018 }}</ref>

Rajkumar was known for being a highly disciplined man in both his personal and professional lives.<ref name="Online Bangalore">{{cite web | url = http://www.onlinebangalore.com/pers/raj.html | title = Padmabushana Dr. Rajkumar – The name will have a mesmerizing effect on several lakhs of Kannadigas who have grown with the aura and magical presence of Rajkumar in the field of Kannada Cinema and Culture. Online Bangaluru (Bengaluru) | publisher = Online Bangalore | access-date = 30 October 2013}}</ref> He practised [[Carnatic music]] for an hour each day in the morning and in the evening. He was referred to as ''Gaanagandharva'' (translation: a heavenly singer).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.karnataka.com/personalities/rajkumar-kannada-actor/|title=Dr. Rajkumar &#124; Personalities|date=28 September 2011|website=Karnataka.com}}</ref> His punctuality is another noted aspect. Waking up every morning at 4 am, he performed [[Yoga]] and [[Pranayama]], which is said to be the reason behind his physical and mental fitness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/south/rajkumar-world-yoga-day-yogi|title=Rajkumar was a great yogi, left his body eight times: Yoga teacher|website=newsable.asianetnews.com}}</ref> His Yoga performances can be seen in the first clips of his film ''[[Kaamana Billu]]''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121106142518/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Yoga-keeps-Rajkumar-going/articleshow/4170235.cms Yoga keeps Rajkumar going]. ''The Times of India''. 16 August 2000.</ref> His waist size was 32 at the time of his death. This fitness is attributed to his practice of Yoga.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Rajkumars-waist-size-was-32/articleshow/45700321.cms|title=Rajkumar's waist size was 32 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Actor John Kokken had revealed that Rajkumar was the inspiration behind him performing Yoga every day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/video-dr-rajkumar-inspires-john-kokken-to-perform-yoga/articleshow/76387001.cms|title=Video: Dr Rajkumar inspires John Kokken to perform yoga - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

Reminiscing his old days, Kannada director J.G.Krishna had revealed that Rajkumar was responsible for light boys being served food by the film production team after he came to know that they were not being served food on the sets and took initiative to make it mandatory for all Kannada film producers to bear the food cost of the light boys treating them on par with the employees of the production house.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp6wx7U6ydI&feature=youtu.be |title='ಇಂದ್ರಜಿತ್ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಬರೀಷ್ ನನ್ ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿದ್ರು'-ಜೆ.ಜಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣ (ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಸ್ಟೋರಿ)-JG Krishna Life-Ep2 - YouTube |website=M.youtube.com |date=2020-07-30 |access-date=2021-02-08}}</ref>

In 2001, he started ''Shaktidhaama'' - a rehabilitation home for 800 destitute women who were rescued from the clutches of prostitution racquet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/rajkumar-and-parvathamma-rajkumar-started-shakthidhama-for-women/articleshow/74338808.cms?story=2|title = ವೇಶ್ಯಾವೃತ್ತಿಗೆ ಬಲವಂತವಾಗಿ ನೂಕಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಹೆಂಗಸರು, ಶೋಷಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಗೆ ಸೂರು ಒದಗಿಸಿದ್ದ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಕುಮಾರ್ ದಂಪತಿ|website=Vijaykarnataka.com}}</ref> He endorsed [[Karnataka Milk Federation]]'s ''Nandini'' brand of milk for free.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-kannada-film-legend-dr-rajkumar-and-his-family-steered-clear-politics-157177?amp|title = Why Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar and his family steered clear of politics|website=Thenewsminute.com|date = 2 November 2021}}</ref>

* The [[Dubai]] based English daily newspaper ''[[Gulf News]]'' called him "a polite man, a philanthropist, who led a simple life".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/indians-remember-big-brother-rajkumar-1.232924|title=Indians remember 'big brother' Rajkumar|website=Gulfnews.com}}</ref>

* A {{convert|6|km|adj=on}} road was named Dr. Rajkumar Road<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120928091055/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-22/hubli/29462936_1_hdmc-vedike-resolution HDMC did volte-face on renaming road: Vedike], ''The Times of India'', 22 April 2011.</ref> on 27 January 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.rocks/threads/dr-rajkumar-annavru-karnataka-ratna-kentucky-colonel-padma-bhushan-nata-saarvabhouma.4293/|title=Dr. Rajkumar - Annavru, Karnataka Ratna, Kentucky Colonel, Padma Bhushan, Nata Saarvabhouma|website=Shivu aDDa Forum - Kannada Movie Discussion}}</ref> The road stretches from the government soap factory and World Trade Center (Orion mall) in [[Yeshwanthpur]] to Prasanna theater, Magadi road in Bangalore.  

* The Nadoja Award, an honorary [[doctorate]] from [[Hampi University]] in 1999.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120405020803/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/BC1181F29BD700076525694000605908 No insult to Rajkumar, says CM]. ''The Times of India''. 9 January 1999</ref>

* In August 2022, on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, flower show themed on the life journey of Rajkumar and his son [[Puneeth Rajkumar]] was conducted at [[Lal Bagh]] as a tribute to them<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/lalbagh-flower-show-from-aug-5-themed-after-dr-rajkumar-and-son-puneeth-101659599755312-amp.html | title=Lalbagh flower show from Aug 5 themed after Dr Rajkumar and son Puneeth | date=4 August 2022 }}</ref> which included the bust of the actor along with 205 portraits of his films.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.m.timesofindia.com/life-style/spotlight/puneeth-rajkumar-remembered-at-lalbagh-flower-show/amp_articleshow/93502356.cms | title=Puneeth Rajkumar remembered at Lalbagh Flower Show - Times of India }}</ref>

* More than 1,100 [[statues]] of Rajkumar are placed in Karnataka.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}  

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