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In the death of Rajkumar, Karnataka has lost a cult figure. An era in films has come to an end. Rajkumar's name was synonymous with Kannada cinema and most of Karnataka's culture. He commanded incredible mass adulation, which has no parallel in the State. He was a great actor, singer, theatre person, and a gentleman who had no adversaries. His legacy of compassion and love should be emulated by the film industry.

K. Chidanand Kumar,
Bangalore

The cultural icon of Karnataka had a peaceful death, which was characteristic of his peaceful and humble lifestyle. Despite rising to the pinnacle of glory, Rajkumar was known for his humility. That he did not smoke or drink on and off screen nor indulge in any kind of political overtures in any of his films speak volumes about his ethics. In spite of his acute knee pain, Rajkumar got up to greet anyone who came to see him. Such a noble and humble soul even though he was the master of all he surveyed!

V.J. Lawrence,
Bangalore

In the death of Rajkumar, Indian cinema has lost an illustrious person. Unlike modern day actors, Rajkumar avoided smoking and drinking in films. All his films had positive messages for the common man. He was a versatile actor and shone in mythological as well as social films. Rajkumar also distanced himself from politics when his peers in the Tamil and Telugu film industry entered politics and became Chief Ministers.

N. Nageswaran,
Chennai

Rajkumar will live forever in the hearts of many not just as a matinee idol but also as a wonderful human being. Despite his popularity, he steered clear of politics. He was a multifaceted personality with proven skills in many spheres of art and cinema. Only a few know that Rajkumar was an excellent Carnatic musician and gave a number of performances.

Nisha Gopalan,
Chennai

Rajkumar was a thorough professional who kept himself away from controversies. Some of his songs such as those he sang in Kavirathna Kalidasa were immortal. He will live in our hearts forever.

V. Govindarajan,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Rajkumar never smoked or drank liquor in any of his films. This places him above the rest. The present generation film stars should emulate this practice of his.

D. Sekhar,
Visakhapatnam, A.P.

Rajkumar was not merely an actor without peer who was equally at ease playing a poor labour and a king. He was essentially a good human being representing all that is noble and virtuous. Unlike others, he shunned politics when he could have been easily anointed as supreme leader for life. The best tribute we can pay is to atone for our crass behaviour of indulging in violence after his death and take a vow to follow his ideals. That way his soul will rest in peace.

H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana,
Mysore

A whole saga of Kannada cinema has passed away. Rajkumar was an actor, singer, and cinema specialist par excellence. The roles he played in social, historical, and mythological films will always be remembered. His rise from a humble theatre person to a superstar is well known. The violence and chaos that followed his death were the most shameful ways of paying our tributes to our Annavru.

Prabha Muthukrishnan,
Bangalore

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