In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Indian actor and singer, Dr. Rajkumar, who left an indelible mark on Kannada cinema, was kidnapped by the notorious forest bandit, Veerappan, in the year 2000. Dr. Rajkumar, born Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj, was not only a cinematic legend but also a socio-cultural symbol of Karnataka, credited with elevating Kannada cinema to national recognition. His untimely demise in 2006 at the age of 76 left a void in the hearts of millions.
Dr. Rajkumar, known by titles such as Natasaarvabhowma (Emperor of Actors) and Gaana Gandharva (Celestial singer), received numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 1983 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995. Remarkably, he achieved the rare feat of winning a National Award for singing, a testament to his versatile talent.
The illustrious actor’s family tree unfolds with his wife, Parvathamma Rajkumar, a film producer and distributor, who played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Rajkumar’s cinematic legacy. Their five children include Shiva Rajkumar, a prominent figure in Kannada cinema, and Raghavendra Rajkumar, an actor and producer.
Shiva Rajkumar, affectionately known as Shivanna, embarked on his acting journey in the 1974 film “Sri Srinivasa Kalyana” and has since carved a niche for himself in the industry. Raghavendra Rajkumar, the elder son, ventured into acting and production, facing both successes and challenges in his career.
The family’s legacy extends to the next generation, with Vinay Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar’s son, making his debut in 2014. The late Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of Dr. Rajkumar, earned the moniker “Power Star” and left an indelible mark in Kannada cinema. His sudden demise in 2021 was a profound loss for the industry and his fans.
The family also includes daughters Lakshmi Govindaraj and Poornima Puttaswamayya, both leading successful lives in different fields. Poornima, an actress, is married to actor and producer Ramkumar, with whom she shares two children, Dheeren Ramkumar and Dhanya Ramkumar. Dheeren, following the family tradition, made his debut in 2020.
The dark chapter in Dr. Rajkumar’s life unfolded on July 30, 2000, when Veerappan and his armed men attacked the actor’s farmhouse in Gajanur, Tamil Nadu. Dr. Rajkumar was abducted and held captive for 108 days, enduring a harrowing experience. While conflicting reports suggest a ransom for his release, the family denies any payment.
Dr. Rajkumar’s kidnapping remains a significant chapter in the history of Indian cinema, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most revered figures. The enduring legacy of the Rajkumar family continues to shape the landscape of Kannada cinema, reminding audiences of the profound impact of a cinematic icon and his enduring family saga.
