Dr. Raj Kumar Memorial Website

In Memoriam
~ Dr. Raj Kumar ~
1929 - 2006

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::: STATEMENTS :::

"In the passing away of Dr Raj Kumar we have lost a versatile film actor. His talent was recognised by the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. He will always be remembered for his everlasting contributions to the film industry."

-A P J Abdul Kalam, President of India

Dr.Manmohan Singh said " Dr. Raj Kumar will always be remembered not only as a cinematic icon who captivated generations of viewers, but alos for his signal contributions to public affairs. The conferment of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award testified to his histrionic talents and his life long contribution to the cause of cinema. His services to society and the nation led him naturally to the sphere of public life, where he fought for the welfare of the people. His commitment led to people reposing their trust in him, and this in turn led him to dedicate himself to address their concerns. His unfortunate demise leaves a void that will be difficult to fill."

- Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

I grew up watching his films. He was like a father to me. He was an institution himself and has done many things for the state of Karnataka and the film industry. He has left us when we required him to guide us. We will strive to complete all his aspirations and desires.

- H D Kumara Swamy, Chief Minister, Karnataka

No words are adequate to describe the loss of Rajkumar from this world. He was the rarest of rare phenomena to have happened to the Kannada film industry and the Indian film world at large.

He came across as a warm hearted person to anybody who met him. It was this warmth that endeared him to millions of people in Karnataka and elsewhere and made him their beloved `Annavuru' (elder brother) and made humility that endeared him to millions of people in Karnataka and outside as his fans..

- S M Krishna, Governor, Maharashtra

Rajkumar had contributed immensely to Kannada development and culture in the state. He was also deeply involved in spiritualism.

It is difficult to imagine Kannada without Rajkumar and vice versa

- Sri Sri Ravishankar, Founder, Art of living foundation.

Dr. Rajkumar had touched the hearts of Kannadigas in a way that we writers can never hope to do. The best tribute we can pay is to make every Kannadiga a literate.

-U.R. Ananthamurthy, Jnanpith award winner

When I was a greenhorn, he used to beckon me with his eyes, and we would converse with our eyes, and I learnt the power of the eye in communication from this university called Dr. Rajkumar

- Vishnuvardhan, Actor

He was a good human being and remained an icon of lakhs of people in the state. He is not only an asset to Karnataka, but to the entire country. I had a special relationship with him and he always spoke to me like a true friend. I have certainly lost a great friend, philosopher and guide.

- Ambareesh, Actor & Member of Parliament

He was a great actor and remained a true Kannadiga to his last. He is one of the greatest actors in the Indian film industry.

- Padmashri B Saroja Devi, actress

It is a very sad event. I pray that his soul rests in peace.

- Pejawar Mutt pontiff Sri Vishveshathirtha Swami

I am shell-shocked. Dr. Raj Kumar is my idol and he was a model for all actors in the Indian film industry. He would always bless and encourage me.

- Arjun, actor

I have lost my father. I cannot say anything more. He had a great influence on my career and my life.

- Malashri, actress and film producer

With the death of Rajkumar, I have lost my father in Karnataka. I pray that the Lord gives my mother Parvathamma the strength to overcome the grief.

- Prabhu, Tamil film actor

During our days in the forest, Appaji used to tell me he was destined to live for more than 100 years. It is a shock that he died so soon

- Nagappa, who was with Rajkumar when abducted by Veerappan

THE MEMORIAL SITE