Karnataka - Mysore   

Rajkumar's kindness came to his rescue

Special Correspondent

Rajkumar ensured that there was no discrimination against junior artistes, cameramen or clap boys

Vadda Nagaraj

MYSORE: When forest Veerappan struck at Gajanur in July 2000 and abducted Rajkumar, it was the beginning of a nightmare for the State that lasted over 100 days

But for Vadda Nagaraj, the relief was instantaneous and was entirely due to Dr. Rajkumar's personal intervention.

"I was in the farmhouse and was taking a stroll when suddenly a few figures emerged from the shadows and one of them asked me in a gruff voice: Where is Rajkumar? Take us to him now... I recoiled in horror for it was Veerappan and my heart sank when I realised Annavaru would be taken hostage."

Intervention

"As the drama unfolded in the first few minutes, it was clear that I would be among the few to be taken hostage along with the actor. But Dr. Rajkumar intervened and made known my diabetic condition and the fact that I was a teacher," recalled Mr. Nagaraj

The incident highlights Dr. Rajkumar's concern for others even during a personal crisis, said Mr. Nagaraj, who recalled his association with the veteran actor who passed away in Bangalore on Wednesday.

No discrimination

Be it at his home or during the shooting of a movie, Dr. Rajkumar ensured that there was no discrimination against junior artistes, cameramen or clap boys.

It was the same food that was served to all under the Rajkumar Production banners, according to another actor of yesteryears, Somanna, who had "locked horns" with the thespian in many movies.

"I was with a gang of rowdies but came under the influence of Dr. Rajkumar, who uplifted my life and helped me steer clear of it," he added.

There are other incidents that bring to the fore Dr. Rajkumar's endearing nature. "We were shooting in Chennai and were supposed to visit Sabarimalai and it was Dr. Rajkumar who sponsored the trip for the entire team that was shooting."

No ostentation

A simple man not given to ostentation, Dr. Rajkumar was not very fastidious about food.

He would partake any food without complaint and even if it tasted bad, the thespian would savour it and thank the hosts. Not a single morsel of food was to be wasted.

Dr. Rajkumar used to recall his early days when he had to struggle to make ends meet.

Despite his success as an actor and subsequently the demigod status that he achieved, the veteran actor remained down to earth and preferred never to forget his moorings and the trials and tribulations that he underwent during his childhood days.

That is what made him different from others, according to his close aides.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Mysore was dear to `Annavaru'
Cauvery: Tamil Nadu, State farmers close to accord
Record crop size for tobacco
Rajkumar's kindness came to his rescue
It was a testing time for Rajkumar's family, fans
Actors pay glowing tributes to Rajkumar
Tension in Mysore as people spill onto the streets
It is a goldsmith's treasured possession
Suttur seer mourns death of Rajkumar
NGOs stage protest in support of NBA

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu