Dr. Rajkumar’s life conveyed a strong message to society: Mamatha Gatti
Mangaluru, April 24, 2025: Kannada film legend Dr. Rajkumar lived an exemplary life both on and off screen, never portraying anything harmful to society, said Karnataka Sandalwood Development Corporation Chairperson Mamatha Gatti.
Speaking at the actor’s birth anniversary celebration, jointly organised by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Information and Public Relations, and the Dr. P Dayananda Pai – P Satish Pai Government First Grade College, Car Street, she said his life values continue to inspire generations.
Senior journalist and Mangaluru Press Club president P.B. Harish Rai said Dr. Rajkumar was not just an actor but a cultural icon who never accepted film roles that promoted smoking, alcohol, or negative influences. “He used cinema to serve the Kannada language and culture,” he added.
He highlighted films like Anuraga Aralithu (dubbed into nine languages), Bedara Kannappa, and Bangarada Manushya, which inspired rural development and youth involvement in agriculture.
Presiding over the event, the principal of the Government First Grade College, Car Street, Prof. Jayakar Bhandari said, “There’s a vast difference today between the reel and real lives of many actors. But Dr. Rajkumar lived exactly as he appeared on screen. He brought about social change and highlighted cultural strength through his films.”
Dr. Jyothipriya, Head of the Department of Kannada at the college, was present.
Senior Assistant Director of the Information and Public Relations Department B.A. Khader Shah welcomed the gathering.
Dr. Krishnaprabha from the college’s Physics Department proposed a vote of thanks. S. Shedduddin compered the programme.
