1983 Audio Songs
All songs →Related News
More news →Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar passes way
Kannada thespian Rajkumar passed away Wednesday in a private hospital at Bangalore. Several film artistes and technicians thronged his house to pay their last respect. Rajkumar essayed the role of many a mythological character and a historical figure and carried them with elan, be it Bhakta Kumbara, Satya Harishchandra, Bhaktha Cheta, Bhaktha Kanakadasa, `Ranadheera Kanteerava' (1960) Immedi Pulikesh (1967), Sri Krishnadevaraya (1970) or Mayura (1975). His role as Babruvahana is one that has been etched forever in the memories of filmgoers. The epithet Rajkumar sat snuggly on Muthuraj as he moved from the realm of mythological and historical films of yore to the age of neo-realism; marching along with the times; polishing his skills as he went along; marking many a milestone. His role as a village simpleton in films like Mannina Maga, Anna Thangi, Chandavalliya Thota, Doorada Betta, Mayor Muththanna bonded him with the masses. The endearing image of Rajkumar riding a buffalo, singing a popular song in the film Sampattige Saval, brought to the fore the reality of rural India. While his acting prowess singled him out as a super hero, his voice as a playback singer in Sampathige Saval propelled him into the bracket of an ace singer-actor. The so-far enigmatic `voice' of Rajkumar forced `P B Sreenivas' bid adieu as the actor took over the role of a playback singer as well, even winning a national award as the best singer for the classical rendition of the song, `Naadamaya ee Lokavella' in the film Jeevana Chaitra. From donning diamond studded crowns and silken robes, commanding armies to playing suave roles of an Indian James Bond in films like Jedara Bale opposite actress Jayanti, Rajkumar soon became an icon, single handedly delivering box office hits, to the delight of his producers. Having worked with more than 75 directors, his roles have ranged from pages of history to protagonist of films advocating the ageless quality of Indian values. It was subtle acting, his spontaneous style and his flair for making 'reel life' characters appear 'real life personalities' that helped him survive the onslaught of time, age and changing demands of the celluloid world. Despite his box office success, Raj Kumar, a strong advocate of Kannada, confined himself to the Kannada film world. A champion of the state language, he had time and again espoused the cause of the mother tongue, taking part in the 'Gokak agitation' in early 1980s, seeking primacy for Kannada. His affinity for rural India and that of Kannadigas transformed him into a larger than life figure, stirring up mass hysteria when forest brigand Veerapan kidnapped him. Veerappan, who ironically hailed from the same birthplace as the thespian, was fully aware of the priceless treasure in his custody when he sent out a list of demands to be met in return for the release of the King of Films. The release of Rajkumar was nothing short of a celebration, a time to offer thanksgiving and prayers for the release of one considered a demigod. Rajkumar's unwavering popularity and paradox of destiny manifested itself when the primary school dropout was conferred an honorary doctorate by Mysore University. The hysteria whipped up by the icon was perceivable with stories of fans worshipping his replicas with milk and honey in Hassan, of those cycling for kilometres to view the first show of his film and of scores going on a rampage when a cinema house put up a board that tickets could not be bought for love or money for the next seven days, doing the rounds in the media on a regular basis. His felicitation by the Karnataka government on completing 50 years of his film career and the endless bouquets of praises showered him on the occasion, also marked the matinee idol's hold over the Kannada film world. The passing away of the idol to many will not mean just the removal from the scene of a star, but that of five eras put together and the new one that lost the opportunity of witnessing a magnum opus with Rajkumar as the lead.
Actor Puneeth Rajkumar bags Bengaluru franchise of Premier Futsal
Kannada cinema’s poster boy Puneeth Rajkumar has signed a long-term agreement with Premier Futsal to acquire it’s Bengaluru franchise, it was announced on Monday. The league, a five-a-side vibrant of football, will be hosted from July 15 to 26 to create awareness of futsal as a sport in India. Premier Futsal will make India the first country in the world to host a multi-national All-Star Futsal tournament that brings the legends of football and futsal together. The agreement, for an undisclosed sum, makes Bengaluru the third franchise to be sold after the youngest son of Rajkumar, Kannada cinema’s most decorated actor picked up the Bengaluru 5’s franchise. “Bengaluru is consuming new sports with much curiosity. A fast paced sport like Futsal is certain to catch the imagination of the youth in Bengaluru,” Rajkumar said. “It is an honour to be a part of something that is happening for the first time in our country and I am certain the people from Bengaluru will come forth and support our venture to lead the Bengaluru franchise of Premier Futsal.” The Bengaluru franchise will be known as “Bengaluru 5s”, similar to how the all the teams will be named in the inaugural edition. The league has signed some of the best futsallers in the world — spearheaded by the renowned Alessandro Rosa Vieira, fondly known as ‘Falcao’ — and has even enticed iconic footballers like Paul Scholes, Michel Salgado and Deco to compete.
Rajkumar Santoshi to enter Kollywood?
Acclaimed producer - director Rajkumar Santhoshi is planning a foray into Kollywood. Buzz is that he would be producing a Tamil film which would star a prominent hero and a popular heroine. Selvah, who wielded the megaphone for the recent - hit Naan Avanillai, will be directing the same. It may be recalled that K K Sera and Abbas Mastan from Mumbai are producing movie in Tamil. Ramgopal Verma is nursing ambitions to do a film in Tamil. Selvah says, 'We have agreed to start a Tamil project soon. The starcast is not finalized'.
Rajkumar Hirani produces MAX's IPL ad campaign with humour
Rajkumar Hirani, the man behind films like "Munnabhai M.B.B.S" and "3 Idiots", has produced a series of ad films to promote MAX's Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign "IPL on, toh Bharat Bandh" for the upcoming DLF IPL tournament. Hirani, who has produced the films under his banner Canvas Films, has added a hint of his humorous side to the scripts. The advertisements have been directed by noted ad filmmaker Shashank Ghosh and conceptualised by advertising firm JWT. "When my partner Sanjiv Kishinchandani and I first heard the idea of the 'Bharat Bandh', I realised that it had huge potential. If I had the time, I would have directed it myself. The next best way was to produce it, offer inputs and oversee it. Finally Shashank directed them. I feel he has done a brilliant job. I'm sure these films will bring a definite smile to people's faces," Hirani said in a press statement. The rollout of the seven ad films will stretch across a period of six weeks till the launch of the DLF IPL tournament April 8. Each film describes what happens in India when the IPL is on. Shashank Ghosh, director, said: "I have tried to depict with a humorous take on how we all react to the IPL. It's been a game changer in entertainment in India and everybody at some level has altered their lifestyles and routines to accommodate it. I hope the people at large will like the series of commercials and wait with bated breath for the IPL to start." The commercial will be first launched on TV, after which it will be spread out across print, radio, internet, billboards, mobile, below-the-line and out-of-home platforms. "The DLF IPL communication on MAX has always been unique and path breaking. With the 'Bharat Bandh' idea this year, we have an immensely strong idea that the people of India will immediately identify with and relate to as well," said Sneha Rajani, senior executive vice president and business head, MAX.
Rajkumar Hirani injured, but nothing serious
"PK" filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani met with a bike accident on Tuesday morning and was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital here. He is fine and will get discharged soon, a hospital official said. Hirani reportedly fell off a motorbike, injured his jaw and ended up with a gash on the chin. On being contacted, a hospital official told: "He is getting discharged. He is absolutely fine and nothing serious." However, no further details could be confirmed. The 52-year-old filmmaker has given blockbuster hits like "3 Idiots" and the "Munnabhai" series.
Rajkumar Hirani wants to show 'Saala Khadoos' to sportspersons
Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, one of the producers of upcoming sports drama "Saala Khadoos", intends to show the film to some distinguished personalities in sports to get their feedback. "We didn't go the sports ministry to get any support. We have made the film and now since the film has been made, we wish to show it to numerous people associated with sports and if they watch and then talk about it, we'll be delighted," he said at a press conference for the film on Monday. Sports-based films are a rarity in the industry. "Brothers" was the only popular sports-based film last year but was a the remake of a Hollywood film. The previous year also had only "Mary Kom" which was appreciated by critics and audiences alike and even won a National Award. The event also saw the unveiling of the film's lead actor, Ritika Singh who plays a boxer in the film and is involved into numerous fight-related sports in real life. Lead actor R. Madhavan, who is also one of the producers, said: "Because of Ritika, there was no instance when we had to do a retake of any scene. I worked with Ritika with complete love and support since I'm also the producer of the film." Madhavan plays the role of a boxing coach who transforms Ritika's character from a fisherwoman to an aggressive boxer. The film is gearing up for release on January 29.