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`Rajkumar was a soldier for Kannada'

Staff Reporter - THE HINDU

Governor, Kharge mourn thespian's death

BANGALORE: The death of Rajkumar has left a void not merely in the field of cinema, but the art, culture and language of Kannadigas, Governor T.N. Chaturvedi has said.

In a condolence message, Mr. Chaturvedi said, "It is significant that Rajkumar acted solely in Kannada films and remained a soldier for Kannada and Kannadigas to his last breath." The soft-spoken, even-tempered Dr. Rajkumar won millions of hearts by describing his fans as `devaru,' whose support had sustained him through the dark days in captivity when he was abducted by the brigand Veerappan.

He also demonstrated his love for Kannada with his role in the pro-Kannada Gokak agitation. Dr. Rajkumar was a synonym for Kannada cinema; such was the sweep of his influence on the industry and the people, he said.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president M. Mallikarjun Kharge, in a message, described Dr. Rajkumar as a "precious jewel as an actor, a person who attained the peak of popularity with his endearing demeanour."

Union Minister for Shipping K.H. Muniyappa said he was deeply shocked by the news of the actor's death.

The Karnataka Lalithakala Academy said Rajkumar would always be remembered for the indelible mark he left on filmdom and for giving an identity to Kannada cinema.