Date:02/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/02/stories/2006060211520500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rajkumar's hallmark was his humility, says Baragur Ramachandrappa

Staff Reporter

295-page book on thespian released

ABOUT A GENTLE SOUL: Ganapathi (right), author of `Kannadada Mutthina Kathe Rajkumar', with (from left) former Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority Baragur Ramachandrappa, film actor Shivarajkumar, and Director of the Manipal Group of Public ations and Manipal Entertainers Sandhya Pai at the book release in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Kannadada Mutthina Kathe Rajkumar, a book on Kannada matinee idol late Rajkumar, was released here on Thursday. Over 1,000 copies of the 295-page book, authored by Ganapathi of Roopathara, a film magazine, were sold at the book release.

Speaking on the occasion, Editor of Vijaya Karnataka Vishweshwar Bhat said Rajkumar's films had influenced the minds of children and youth. The values Rajkumar espoused as a film artiste were imbibed by the thespian's fans, Mr. Bhat said.

He commended the book, and said Mr. Ganapathi was one among a few writers who were able to publish a series of interviews with Rajkumar.

Former Chairman of the Kannada Development Authority and filmmaker Baragur Ramachandrappa said although many journalists had held long conversations with Rajkumar, they lacked the right perspective.

Prof. Ramachandrappa said Rajkumar's hallmark was his humility, and it could be equated to the actor's erudition.

Rajkumar's son and film artiste Shivarajkumar, said presspersons could claim some credit for the thespian's rise.

Director of the Manipal Group of Publications and Manipal Entertainers Sandhya Pai spoke about Rajkumar's interest in spirituality.

Interviews

Mr. Ganapathi said Rajkumar had influenced him since childhood. He recalled the cooperation extended by the actor during interviews.

Writer U.R. Ananthamurthy could not participate in the programme as he was indisposed.