Dr. Rajkumar

Biography

**Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj** (born 24 April 1929, died 12 April 2006), universally known by his stage name **Dr. Rajkumar**, was an Indian actor and playback singer who became the foundational pillar and a towering cultural icon of Kannada cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema, he achieved a legendary matinée idol status among the Kannada diaspora, affectionately earning titles such as *Nata Saarvabhouma* (Emperor of Actors), *Bangarada Manushya* (Man of Gold), *Gaana Gandharva* (Celestial singer), and simply *Annavru* (Elder Brother). Born in Doddagajanur, a settlement in the Madras Presidency, into a family of impoverished theatre artists, he was named Muthuraj after the Hindu deity Hanuman. He began his acting career at a young age, performing as a drama artist with the renowned Gubbi Drama Company. His extensive theater background laid the foundation for his immaculate diction and extraordinary range of performances. Rajkumar transitioned to the silver screen with his first adult role in *Sri Srinivasa Kalyana* (1952), but his major breakthrough came two years later when he debuted as a lead actor in the 1954 classic *Bedara Kannappa*. The film was a massive success, famously addressing social discrimination, and launched him into unprecedented stardom. Over the next five decades, he starred in over 200 films, notably portraying the highest number of historical, mythological, and devotional characters in Indian cinema. He also broke new ground in *Jedara Bale* (1968), becoming the first actor in India to enact a full-fledged James Bond style spy role and sparking a new espionage genre in the industry. His cinematic dominance and mass appeal led to numerous incredible records. He is the first actor to have 39 of his movies remade 63 times across 9 different languages by 34 actors. Furthermore, his performance in the landmark film *Bangaarada Manushya* was included in Forbes' list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema." Beyond acting, Rajkumar was an exceptional classical and playback singer, making him the only lead actor in Indian cinema to win the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. His monumental contributions to Indian art and culture were recognized with the Padma Bhushan in 1983 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995. Upon his passing in 2006, The New York Times described him as one of India's most popular movie stars.

Filmografi

Mallamana Pavaada1969 · ChandrakanthaAnna Thangi1958 · Saaku Magalu1963 · RaghuramNaga Pooja1965 · Muriyada Mane1964 · Shivagange Mahatme1964 · Kiladi Ranga1966 · Bhagya Devathe1968 · Gaali Gopura1962 · Malli Maduve1963 · Ananda and Paramananda (Dual roles)Rowdy Ranganna1968 · Madhu Malathi1966 · Amma1968 · SridharKittur Chennamma1961 · Raja MallasarjaMohini Bhasmasura1966 · Bhoodana1962 · DasannaMr. Rajkumar1970 · Kumar/Raj/Farooq BabaHaavina Hede1981 · MuthannaRani Honnamma1960 · VeerannaPunarjanma1969 · ChennaChandrahasa1965 · Dashavathara1960 · Hiranyakashipu / Ravana / ShishupalaManasiddare Marga1967 · Kantheredu Nodu1961 · Gopanna