Bengaluru: Fans of legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar, fondly remembered as 'Abhimani Devarugalu', made a beeline to Dr. Rajkumar memorial in Kanteerava Studio in the city on Wednesday to celebrate his 91st birth anniversary. Interestingly Rajkumar also passed away in same month on April 12, 2006.
Manjunath, a die-hard fan of 'Annavru', makes it a point to be in Bengaluru on both April 12 and 24 without fail.
"I grew up watching his movies. Apart from his incredible acting skills, it is his simplicity which drew me closer to him. I would listen all about him from my elders. Those days we only had newspaper and magazines. Most of us used to write letters to Annavru and he would humbly reply to us along with an autographed photo of his."
He fondly recalls when he met his idol when he came to Mysuru to attend a function. "I somehow managed to touch his hand and did not wash my hands for days," Manjunath said.
On Wednesday he stood in the long queue to pay tributes to the late actor. There are millions like Manjunath, who worship Rajkumar, the man who changed the course of Kannada film industry. Many fans were wishing Matte Hutti Baa Anna (please take rebirth Anna).
Rajkumar's family members and Kannada film fraternity was also present at the memorial, remembering Rasikara Raja (king of romance).
A blood donation and health check up camps were held on the occasion. Shivarajkumar, the eldest son, donated blood after performing pooja along with his family.
Several prominent star actors shared their fond memories of Dr Rajkumar on social media. Several programmes were held across the state in remembrance of the acting legend.
