:Dr. Rajkumar

Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj was born on 24 April 1929 in Dodda Gajanur,{{cite news |date=18 September 2018 |title=Verdict in Rajkumar abduction case on Sept. 25 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/verdict-in-rajkumar-abduction-case-on-sept-25/article24971757.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113141949/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/verdict-in-rajkumar-abduction-case-on-sept-25/article24971757.ece |archive-date=13 January 2021 |access-date=16 March 2022 |newspaper=The Hindu}} a hamlet in the Talavady taluk. His father Puttaswamayya and mother Lakshmamma were impoverished theatre artists of the Kannada Idiga caste from Singanalluru in the erstwhile Kollegalam taluk of the Coimbatore district of the Madras Presidency .{{cite news|title=Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77|newspaper=The New York Times|date=13 April 2006|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/movies/13kumar.html|access-date=30 October 2013|last1=Rai|first1=Saritha|archive-date=14 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114004041/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/movies/13kumar.html|url-status=live}} His mother tongue was Kannada.{{cite web |title=Nedumaran enacted drama to get me freed, says Rajakumar |url=https://m.rediff.com/news/2000/nov/16veer10.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731165433/https://m.rediff.com/news/2000/nov/16veer10.htm |archive-date=31 July 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022 |website=m.rediff.com}}{{Cite news |date=12 July 2012 |title=Fighting for my language |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fighting-for-my-language/article3631973.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408134323/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/fighting-for-my-language/article3631973.ece/amp/ |archive-date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022 |newspaper=The Hindu}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm|title=The man who changed Kannada cinema|first=M S|last=Dhaan|work=Rediff.com|access-date=22 November 2024}} This influenced his stance on the Gokak movement to reunite Talavady with the Kollegala taluk of Karnataka. Puttaswamayya was good at playing mythological roles such as Kamsa, Ravana, and Hiranyakashipu. Muthuraj left school at eight and was later discovered by film producers, who cast him in small roles that he played till he was 25.

He was named Muthuraj, after Muthaththi Raya (a name for the Hindu deity Hanuman), which is a temple deity located in Muthathi, a settlement on the banks of river Kaveri in Malavalli taluk, Mandya District of Karnataka.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/muthathi-faces-mekedatu-threat-710806.html|title=Muthathi faces Mekedatu threat; Rajkumar family pitches|date=1 January 2019|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=25 October 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026113555/https://www.deccanherald.com/state/muthathi-faces-mekedatu-threat-710806.html|url-status=live}}

Muthuraj started his acting career with his father in a drama troupe led by Gubbi Veeranna{{cite web | url = http://kannada.webdunia.com/entertainment/regionalcinema/newsgossips/1104/12/1110412017_1.htm | title = Dr. Raj Kumar | ನಟಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮ 'ರಾಜ್' ಐದನೇ ಪುಣ್ಯತಿಥಿ | publisher = Kannada.webdunia.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-date = 1 November 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101153909/http://kannada.webdunia.com/entertainment/regionalcinema/newsgossips/1104/12/1110412017_1.htm | url-status = live }}{{cite web|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.webpage.com/hindu/960810/03/0925a.html|date=10 August 1996|title=A star without peer on Kannada screen|access-date=14 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220101108/http://www.webpage.com/hindu/960810/03/0925a.html|archive-date=20 December 1996}} and later joined the drama company of Subbaiah Naidu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/theater/kannada-film-actor-dr-rajkumar-and-his-singing-theatre-songs-825236.html|title=ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಮತ್ತು ರಂಗಗೀತೆಗಳು|website=Prajavani.net|date=25 April 2021}} In 1953, he was spotted by film director H. L. N. Simha, who was on the lookout for well-built, pleasant-faced man for the starring role in film, Bedara Kannappa (1954). Simha eventually signed Muthuraj for the film and named him Rajkumar.

Prior to Bedara Kannappa, Rajkumar had appeared as a child artist in the 1942 film Bhakta Prahlada in a small role and also in the 1952 film, Sri Srinivasa Kalyana, as Sage Agasthya, one of the Saptarishis (seven sages).{{Cite web|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/when-dr-rajkumar-spoke-about-his-debut-movie/articleshow/75551966.cms|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200915061109/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/when-dr-rajkumar-spoke-about-his-debut-movie/articleshow/75551966.cms|archive-date = 15 September 2020|title = 'ಬೇಡರ ಕಣ್ಣಪ್ಪ' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೂ ಮೊದಲು ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್‌ ನಟಿಸಿದ್ದ ಆ ಎರಡು ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳು ಯಾವುವು?}} It was an insignificant role in which his scene was over even before he recognised himself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J8cvyHaWT8|title=Dr Rajana introduction lovely|date=July 2019 |via=YouTube|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628173747/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J8cvyHaWT8&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}

He acted only in Kannada movies throughout his career apart from one Telugu film, Kalahasti Mahatyam (1954), which was a remake of his debut Kannada movie Bedara Kannappa.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/do-you-know-the-legendary-rajkumar-once-acted-in-a-telugu-movie-888722.html|title=Do you know the legendary Rajkumar once acted in a Telugu movie?|date=17 September 2020|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=8 February 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210413030127/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/irul-four-changes-that-would-have-made-the-fahadh-faasil-starrer-a-good-watch-971015.html|url-status=live}}

He had lead roles in 205 movies.{{cite book | last1 = Seetalabavi | first1 = P. Nayak, M. | title = Swarnasetu 2014: ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಪತ್ರಿಕೆ KKNC Annual Publication | publisher = RG Kannada e-Publisher | page = 44 | url = https://ooks.google.co.in/books?id=CFIqDAAAQBAJ&pbg=PA44 | ref = seta | language = kn}} He owned a production company called Sri Vajreshwari Combines under the banner Dakshayani Combines. Bhagyada Bagilu (1968) was his 100th film,{{cite news | title = Swept away by the wave | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/swept-away-by-the-wave/article3217929.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 21 April 2006 | access-date = 13 May 2014 | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424092606/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/swept-away-by-the-wave/article3217929.ece | url-status = live }} Devatha Manushya (1988) was his 200th film and Shabdavedhi (2000) was his last film.{{cite news | title = S Narayan directed Rajkumar's last film | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know-/S-Narayan-directed-Rajkumars-last-film/articleshow/45614498.cms | newspaper = The Times of India | access-date = 23 April 2017 | archive-date = 23 December 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171223132842/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know-/S-Narayan-directed-Rajkumars-last-film/articleshow/45614498.cms | url-status = live }}

His character depictions ranged from mythological, historical, devotional, James Bond styled spies to romantic, rural, action roles and portrayals of contemporary social causes in the span of over five decades. Rajkumar along with his contemporaries Udaya Kumar and Kalyan Kumar were referred as the Kumara Thrayaru of Kannada cinema. He acted in 36 films with Udaya Kumar and in 5 films with Kalyan Kumar.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060915090451/http://www.totalkannada.com/Kannada%20Cinema%20FAQs.asp Kannada Cinema – Frequently Asked Questions and a Brief history of Kannada Film Industry]}}. Totalkannada.com

His historical movies such as Ranadheera Kanteerava, Immadi Pulikeshi, Sri Krishnadevaraya and Mayura presented a populist version of Karnataka's history, focusing on the Karnataka kingdoms such as Mysore royalty, The Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Empire and The Kadambas respectively{{cite web | url = http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1724/17240160.htm | title = Frontline : In-depth analysis of issues and events in India and around the world | publisher = Frontlineonnet.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 |url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120921000309/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1724/17240160.htm | archive-date = 21 September 2012}} - thereby making him the only Indian actor to have portrayed the role of four prominent kings of Indian history - Kanthirava Narasaraja I, Pulakeshin II, Krishnadevaraya and Mayurasharma. He also appeared as Bijjala II in Jagajyothi Basveshwara and as Raja Mallasarja in Kittur Chennamma.

The other prominent historical characters portrayed by him include Purandara Dasa in Navakoti Narayana, Kanaka Dasa in Bhakta Kanakadasa, Tukaram in Santha Thukaram, Kabir Das in Mahathma Kabir, Kālidāsa in Kaviratna Kalidasa, Gora Kumbhar in Bhakta Kumbara, Sri Raghavendra Swamy in Mantralaya Mahatme, Sarvajna in Sarvagna Murthy, Chetha in Bhakta Chetha,{{cite web| url = https://www.chitraloka.com/component/tags/tag/873-rajkumar-profile.html| title = rajkumar profile - chitraloka.com {{!}} Kannada Movie News, Reviews {{!}} Image| access-date = 13 November 2021| archive-date = 13 November 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211113132344/https://www.chitraloka.com/component/tags/tag/873-rajkumar-profile.html| url-status = live}} Kaivara Narayanappa in Kaiwara Mahathme,{{Cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=97fSFymcwYs&feature | title=ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಈ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ರೀಮೇಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟದಿಂದ ಹೊರಬಂದ ಮಲಯಾಳಂ ನಿರ್ಮಾಪಕ..! | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 103 | website=YouTube | date=19 January 2022 | access-date=22 January 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052902/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=97fSFymcwYs&feature | url-status=live }} Pundarika in Hari Bhakta,{{Cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4yyWnFMSz8M&feature | title=ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ನಟಿಸಿದ ಮೊದಲ ರೀಮೇಕ್ ಚಿತ್ರ ಯಾವುದು ಗೊತ್ತಾ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 102 | website=YouTube | date=13 January 2022 | access-date=22 January 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052904/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=4yyWnFMSz8M&feature | url-status=live }} Appanna in Sanaadi Appanna and Santhoba Pavar in Bhakta Vijaya.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=who+is+santhoba&pg=PT39|title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film|first=M. K.|last=Raghavendra|date=22 June 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199088430|via=Google Books|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052902/https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=who+is+santhoba&pg=PT39#v=snippet&q=who%20is%20santhoba&f=false|url-status=live}}

He also has the rare distinction of having portrayed the mythological roles of both Devas and Asuras in an almost equal number on the Indian on-screen. While he has played Lord Ram in Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddha, Lord Vishnu in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana, Lord Krishna in Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama, Lord Shiva in Gange Gowri, Narada in Mooroovare Vajragalu, he has also played the role of Ravana in Bhookailasa, Hiranyakashipu in Bhakta Prahlada, Shishupala in Dashavathara, Bhasmasura in Mohini Bhasmasura and Mahishasura in Mahishasura Mardini. His other prominent mythological characters include Kannappa in Bedara Kannappa, Chandrahasa in Chandrahasa, Harishchandra in Satya Harishchandra, Satyavan in Sathi Savithri, Vasishtha in Mahasathi Arundathi,{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl3uGYIvmfU&feature=youtu.be | title=ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರು ಏಕಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ, ಪೌರಾಣಿಕ ಹಾಗು ಜಾನಪದ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.. | Ramkumar | Ep 81 | website=YouTube | date=22 December 2022 | access-date=24 December 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052957/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Xl3uGYIvmfU&feature=youtu.be | url-status=live }} Valmiki in Valmiki, Chyavana Maharshi in Sathi Sukanya and Dushyanta in Kaviratna Kalidasa.{{cite web|url=https://docplayer.net/amp/104068973-A-casestudy-of-dr-rajkumar-s-movies.html|title=A Casesetudy ofDr. Rajkumar S. Movies|website=docplayer.net|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029000941/https://docplayer.net/amp/104068973-A-casestudy-of-dr-rajkumar-s-movies.html|url-status=live}} Further, he also holds the distinction of being the only actor to play the role of Arjuna and his two sons. While he appeared as Arjuna in Shree Krishna Gaarudi, he appeared in the role of Nagarjuna in Nagarjuna and as Babruvahana in Babruvahana.

His movies were also noted to include drama sequences where he performs various mythological, historical or literary characters such as Romeo and Babruvahana in Amma (1968), Gautama Buddha in Uyyale (1969), Echchamanayaka in Bhale Jodi (1970) {{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhvfScwQ3U&feature=youtu.be | title=Dr.Rajkumar as Ecchama Nayaka || ಎಚ್ಚಮನಾಯಕ | website=YouTube | date=7 November 2022 | access-date=12 November 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052904/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=eMhvfScwQ3U&feature=youtu.be | url-status=live }} and as Bhima in Havina Hede (1981). His movies also have dream and song sequences where he appears in various characters such as Kamadeva in Dhruva Thare, as Krishna in Emme Thammanna,{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=M9I3dot0vwJ-nT-C&v=qvOCRhDUHQQ&feature=youtu.be | title=ಹಿಂದಿ,ತಮಿಳು, ತೆಲುಗಿಗಿಂತ ಕನ್ನಡದ "ಎಮ್ಮೆ ತಮ್ಮಣ್ಣ" ಏಕೆ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar | Ep 171 | website=YouTube | date=12 February 2024 }} Daari Tappida Maga and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma.

He has acted in around 50 movies based on novels, plays and short stories,{{cite web|title=ರಾಜ್‌ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ|url=https://www.udayavani.com/cinema/balcony-sandalwood-news/raj-festival-a-mirror-of-the-grooms-novel-films|website=Udayavani|access-date=26 March 2020|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505142131/https://www.udayavani.com/cinema/balcony-sandalwood-news/raj-festival-a-mirror-of-the-grooms-novel-films|url-status=live}} which is the highest for any actor in India. He made movies from Kannada novels and made movies against perceived social evils in movies like Jeevana Chaitra (on evils of alcohol) and Shabdavedhi (on drug abuse).[http://www.supergoodmovies.com/19229/sandalwood/shivarajakumar-war-on-betting-news-details In 'Shabdavedi' Dr Rajkumar waged a war against drug menace] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074153/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/19229/sandalwood/shivarajakumar-war-on-betting-news-details |date=4 March 2016 }}. Supergoodmovies.com (6 June 2011).

Between 1954 and 1969, Kannada film industry produced 207 movies within a span of 15 years and Rajkumar starred in 100 of those.{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/fans-now-play-a-big-role-behind-the-scenes-975199.html|title=Fans now play a big role behind the scenes|date=16 April 2021|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=7 June 2022|archive-date=7 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607202957/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/fans-now-play-a-big-role-behind-the-scenes-975199.html|url-status=live}} While the early 60s saw him appearing in fantasy genre movies such as Rani Honnamma (1960), Aasha Sundari (1960), Devasundari (1962), Bala Nagamma (1966) and Devara Gedda Manava (1967), he was also noted for doing swashbuckler films {{cite web | url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/arjuna-to-james-bond-like-roles-dr-rajkumar-was-emperor-of-actors-in-kannada-film-industry/1536120/ | title=Arjuna to James Bond-like roles—Dr Rajkumar was 'emperor of actors' in Kannada film industry | website=ThePrint | date=24 April 2023 }} such as Vidhivilasa (1962), Veera Kesari (1963), Katari Veera (1966), Madhu Malathi (1966), Rajashekara (1967), Rajadurgada Rahasya (1967), Simha Swapna (1968), Jaga Mecchida Maga (1972), Bahaddur Gandu (1976) and Huliya Haalina Mevu (1979) at regular intervals in the 1960s and the 1970s.

When Rajkumar appeared as CID 999 in Jedara Bale, he became the first Indian actor to enact a spy role modelled on James Bond in a full-fledged manner {{cite news | last = Vijayasarathy | first = R.G. | title = The best of Dr Rajkumar | publisher = Rediff India Abroad | date = 17 April 2006 | url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17raj.htm | access-date = 25 September 2007 | archive-date = 16 August 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070816053056/http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17raj.htm | url-status = live }} and was called the James Bond of India.{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/late-kannada-superstar-rajkumar-birthday-special-veerappan-had-kidnapped-actor-for-extortion|title=Rajkumar Birthday: जब भारतीय सिनेमा के 'जेम्स बॉन्ड' को वीरप्पन ने कर लिया था अगवा, 108 दिनों बाद हुई थी रिहाई|website=Amar Ujala|language=hi|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052908/https://www.amarujala.com/entertainment/bollywood/late-kannada-superstar-rajkumar-birthday-special-veerappan-had-kidnapped-actor-for-extortion|url-status=live}} The success of this movie led to three sequels: Goa Dalli CID 999, Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999 and Operation Diamond Racket.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2012/oct/18/versions-of-james-bond-in-kannada-416388.html|title=Versions of James Bond in Kannada|newspaper=The New Indian Express|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194133/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2012/oct/18/versions-of-james-bond-in-kannada-416388.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.chitraloka.com/history/3876-history-49-james-bond-style-in-kannada.html|title=History 49 - James Bond Style in Kannada|website=Chitraloka.com|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819203932/https://www.chitraloka.com/history/3876-history-49-james-bond-style-in-kannada.html|url-status=dead}}[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2010/shivaraj-kumar-james-bond-200710.html Shivaraj Kumar to play James Bond in Operation Golden Gang] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023021333/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2010/shivaraj-kumar-james-bond-200710.html |date=23 October 2012 }}. Entertainment.oneindia.in (20 July 2010). The CID 999 Franchise was the first Indian movie franchise to have four instalments and CID 999 was the first character based trilogy in India.{{cite news|url=http://silverscreen.in/hindi/features/feluda-to-sethurama-iyer-indias-best-detectives-in-film-fiction/|title=Feluda To Sethurama Iyer: India's Best Detectives in Film & Fiction - Silverscreen.in|date=7 April 2016|newspaper=Silverscreen.in|language=en-US|access-date=14 October 2016|archive-date=10 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410080124/http://silverscreen.in/hindi/features/feluda-to-sethurama-iyer-indias-best-detectives-in-film-fiction/|url-status=dead}}Balakrishnan, Ravi. (10 May 2008) [http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/the-name-is-kumar-raj-kumar/articleshow/3026795.cms Economic Times – The name is Kumar, Raj Kumar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020041159/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/the-name-is-kumar-raj-kumar/articleshow/3026795.cms |date=20 October 2012 }}. The Economic Times.

He acted with heroines of southern cinema{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/rajkumar-kannada-actor|title=Rajkumar|website=Cinemaazi|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412130916/https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/rajkumar-kannada-actor|url-status=live}} such as Jayanti (38 films),{{cite web | url = http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm | title = The man who changed Kannada cinema | work = Rediff.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-date = 29 April 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130429081609/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm | url-status = live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/rajkumar-jayanthi-pair-ruled-kannada-cinema-1013196.html|title=Rajkumar-Jayanthi pair ruled Kannada cinema|date=26 July 2021|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=7 June 2022|archive-date=7 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607202959/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/rajkumar-jayanthi-pair-ruled-kannada-cinema-1013196.html|url-status=live}} Pandaribai (18 films), Leelavathi (28 films), Bharati (26 films),{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zlWGXbIQr_s&feature=youtu.be | title=ಜೇಡರ ಬಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯಂತಿ ನಟಿಸಿಲ್ಲವೇ..? | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar | Ep 151 | website=YouTube | date=19 December 2022 | access-date=21 December 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052957/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zlWGXbIQr_s&feature=youtu.be | url-status=live }} Kalpana (19 films), Aarathi (13 films), B. Saroja Devi (12 films), Rajasree (10 films), Harini (11 films), Krishna Kumari (8 films), Madhavi (7 films), Manjula (7 films), Jayamala (6 films), Lakshmi (5 films), Kanchana(5 films), Geetha (5 films), Saritha (5 films) and Jaya Prada (4 films).[http://www.rajkumarmemorial.com/movies.htm Rajkumar Filmography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722053901/http://www.rajkumarmemorial.com/movies.htm |date=22 July 2012 }}. Rajkumarmemorial.com. Actress Rekha made her debut in a lead role with his movie Operation Jackpot Nalli C.I.D 999.{{cite web|url=https://inshorts.com/en/news/rekha-made-her-acting-debut-at-12-in-a-telugu-film-1476093611434|title=Rekha made her acting debut at 12 in a Telugu film|website=Inshorts - Stay Informed|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623055500/https://inshorts.com/en/news/rekha-made-her-acting-debut-at-12-in-a-telugu-film-1476093611434|url-status=live}} Sri Lankan based actress Sabeetha Perera also made her Indian movie debut with his film Goa Dalli CID 999.{{cite web|url=https://onlyfilmy.com/|title=Sabeetha Perera – Biography (Biodata, Profile)|website=onlyfilmy.com|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000737/http://onlyfilmy.com/sabeetha-perera-biography-biodata-profile/|url-status=usurped}} Chi. Udaya Shankar has written dialogues and songs for 85 of his movies. G. K. Venkatesh has scored music for over 50 of his movies. He also has the distinction of having worked with more than 75 directors.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-undisputed-cult-figure-in-karnataka/377342|title=Rajkumar: Undisputed cult figure in Karnataka|website=Outlookindia.com/|date=2 August 2022|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053001/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-undisputed-cult-figure-in-karnataka/377342|url-status=live}}

File:Dr. Rajkumar (5).jpg

His movie Operation Diamond Racket was shot in Nepal and became the first Kannada movie to be shot outside India. His movie Ondu Muttina Kathe was reported to be the first ever Indian film to have an underwater action sequence shot in an ocean{{Cite web|url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31806&articlexml=DID-YOU-KNOW--21072017110007|title=The Times Group|date=10 October 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010011751/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31806&articlexml=DID-YOU-KNOW--21072017110007|archive-date=10 October 2018}} outside India{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/OnduMuttina-Kathe-is-the-first-Indian-movie-to-be-shot-under-water/articleshow/31327553.cms|title=Ondu Muttina Kathe is the first Indian movie to be shot under water|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=28 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428041856/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/OnduMuttina-Kathe-is-the-first-Indian-movie-to-be-shot-under-water/articleshow/31327553.cms|url-status=live}} without the help of oxygen mask.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9H2VraGw0c |title=Shankar Nag's Last Interview – Full |via=YouTube |date=9 November 2013 |access-date=8 February 2021 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812234650/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9H2VraGw0c&app=desktop |url-status=live }}

Rajkumar's 1971 movie Kasturi Nivasa was colorised and released in 2014. Even close to a decade after his death, the movie garnered a grand opening with the actor's life-size cutout being immersed in milk. The colorised release also performed well at the box office over taking other Kannada movies released at the time.{{cite web | url = https://www.deccanherald.com/content/440236/dr-rajkumar-still-holds-sway.html | title = Dr Rajkumar still holds sway over fans | date = 7 November 2014 | website = Deccan Herald | access-date = 6 May 2019 | archive-date = 6 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190506104353/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/440236/dr-rajkumar-still-holds-sway.html | url-status = live }} His 39 movies have been remade 63 times in 9 languages by 34 actors.{{cite web|url=https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/top-ten-super-hit-movies-of-dr-rajkumar-remade-into-other-languages-041940.html|title=Dr. Rajkumar Movies Remade in Other Languages : ಪರಭಾಷೆಗೆ ರಿಮೇಕ್ ಆದ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ 10 ಬ್ಲಾಕ್ ಬಸ್ಟರ್ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು - Kannada Filmibeat|date=5 March 2020|website=Kannada.filmibeat.com|access-date=8 February 2021|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027052919/https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/top-ten-super-hit-movies-of-dr-rajkumar-remade-into-other-languages-041940.html|url-status=live}}

Rajkumar trained in classical music when he was with Gubbi Veeranna's theatre troupe.{{cite news | last1 = Ganesh | first1 = Deepa | title = The authentic Kannada voice | url = http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-authentic-kannada-voice/article18134857.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | access-date = 21 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170421114447/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/the-authentic-kannada-voice/article18134857.ece | archive-date = 21 April 2017 | date = 19 April 2017}} The track "Om Namaha Shivaya" from the 1956 film Ohileshwara, which he also starred in, was his first song for a film. He subsequently sang "Thumbithu Manava", a duet with S. Janaki, for the movie Mahishasura Mardini (1959). However, he became a full-fledged singer only in 1974 when he sang in place of P. B. Sreenivas for Sampathige Savaal,{{cite web|date=12 April 2006|title=Nata Saarvabhouma Dr Rajkumar no more|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/Apr122006/update103482006412.asp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017012701/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/Apr122006/update103482006412.asp|archive-date=17 October 2013|newspaper=Deccan Herald}} who had till then sung for most songs picturised on Rajkumar, fell ill. Rajkumar sang the energetic "Yaare Koogadali" for the film which became widely popular during the time and is considered one of his best songs.{{cite web | last1 = Ramakrishna | first1 = S. R. | title = Rajkumar's rich musicscape | url = http://www.themusicmagazine.com/drrajlegends.html | publisher = themusicmagazine.com | access-date = 21 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000823215215/http://www.themusicmagazine.com/drrajlegends.html | archive-date = 23 August 2000}}

Rajkumar has been credited for having sung across various genres and each rendition according to the mood of the scene in the film. In "Yaaru Tiliyaru Ninna" for Babruvahana (1977), a prosodic form of Kannada poetry that required the tone to be a combination of sarcasm and anger, he blended the twin skills of theatrics and music. For Nee Nanna Gellalare (1981), he sang two songs—"Jeeva Hoovagide" and "Anuraga Enaytu"—beginning both with the refrain "I love you", that is full of Carnatic gamakas. After the same tone in the refrain, they take on a life of their own with the form according to love and happiness in the former and love but a discord in the latter. He is known widely for his rendition of "Nadamaya" for Jeevana Chaitra (1992), a song based on the raga of Todi and with complex graces and strings other ragas as it progresses. He switches ragas with ease, and sings complex swara patterns like a professional classical artiste. For the rendition, he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.{{cite web | url = http://dff.nic.in/2011/40th_nff_1993.pdf | title = 40th National Film Awards | publisher = Directorate of Film Festivals | access-date = 21 April 2017 | archive-date = 4 October 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111004083057/http://dff.nic.in/2011/40th_nff_1993.pdf | url-status = live }} His frequent collaboration with the composer duo of Rajan–Nagendra gave musical hits such as Bangarada Hoovu (1967), Nyayave Devaru (1971), Swayamvara (1973), Sri Srinivasa Kalyana (1974), Nanobba Kalla (1979) and Chalisuva Modagalu (1982).{{cite news | last1 = Ganesh | first1 = Deepa | title = He captured the drama in the song | url = http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/he-captured-the-drama-in-the-song/article8504407.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | access-date = 21 April 2017 | date = 21 April 2017 | archive-date = 16 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210416073530/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/he-captured-the-drama-in-the-song/article8504407.ece | url-status = live }}

Rajkumar's duets are mostly recorded with S. Janaki and Vani Jairam. Other female singers who sang with him are P. Susheela, Bangalore Latha, H. P. Geetha, K. S. Chitra, Swarnalatha, Manjula Gururaj, B. R. Chaya, Kasturi Shankar, Rathnamala Prakash, Sulochana and others.

During his career, Rajkumar sang and performed for songs about Kannadigas, the Kannada language and culture, such as "Jenina Holeyo" from Chalisuva Modagalu, "Maanavanagi Huttidmele" from Jeevana Chaitra and "Huttidare Kannada" from the film Aakasmika. He sang a complete English song called "If You Come Today" ("Tick Tick Tick") in the movie Operation Diamond Racket in 1978. This song became an internet meme in India following Rajkumar's demise in 2006.

In later years, he lent his voice to a few actors and sang background solos. For the song Deepavali Deepavali {{YouTube|xSCTpjq-HM4}} from Muddina Maava, he provided playback to S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.{{cite web | url = http://www.annavaru.com/dr-rajkumar-songs/ | title = Songs sung by Dr.Rajkumar | publisher = Annavaru | access-date = 30 October 2013 |url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131102220537/http://www.annavaru.com/dr-rajkumar-songs/ | archive-date = 2 November 2013}} This was a rare occasion. "Hrudaya Samudra Kalaki" from Ashwamedha and "Hey Dinakara" from Om are the two other popular songs sung by Rajkumar for other actors.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17songs.htm|title=The best songs of Rajkumar|website=Rediff|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026160103/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/17songs.htm|url-status=live}} He also sang Kalidasa shlokas such as "Maanikya Veena" and ghazal-based songs such as "Sadaa Kannale", "Kanneera Dhaare" and "Yaava Kaviyu".

Rajkumar recorded many devotional songs beginning in the 1970s for Columbia Recording Company starting with "Mantralayakke Hogona" in 1972. His widely popular LP record "Guruvara Bantamma" was also recorded during the time.{{cite news | last1 = Govind | first1 = Ranjani | title = The saga of a pioneer | url = http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-saga-of-a-pioneer/article5969831.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | access-date = 21 April 2017 | date = 2 May 2014 | archive-date = 11 May 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140511021402/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-saga-of-a-pioneer/article5969831.ece | url-status = live }} In 1979, Sangeetha Cassettes became India's first licensed pre-recorded cassettes. Rajkumar sang the devotional songs glorifying the saint Raghavendra and the Hindu deity Hanuman.{{cite web | url = http://www.4to40.com/legends/print.asp?p=Dr._Raj_Kumar | title = Dr. Rajkumar Biography, India Great Celebrity, Short essay on Dr. Rajkumar | publisher = 4to40.com | access-date = 30 October 2013|url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101232530/http://www.4to40.com/legends/print.asp?p=Dr._Raj_Kumar | archive-date = 1 November 2013}}

Apart from performing in about 75 musical nights, he has sung 300 movie songs and about 200 folk and devotional songs, the proceeds of which were given away to charity.{{cite web|url=http://www.chitratara.com/showCelbProfile.asp?newsid=8|title=Welcome to Chitatara|date=17 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717135525/http://www.chitratara.com/showCelbProfile.asp?newsid=8|archive-date=17 July 2007}}

It was also noted that his versatility and diction contributed immensely to his popularity as a singer since he was able to sing songs of any style - be it qawwali, ghazal, bhajan or English songs - apart from handling a range of emotions - vivacious, romance, devotion or sarcasm.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/legendary-kannada-actor-rajkumar-who-also-excelled-as-a-singer/article65487495.ece | title=Legendary Kannada actor Rajkumar who also excelled as a singer | newspaper=The Hindu | date=2 June 2022 | last1=Ganesh | first1=Deepa | access-date=8 June 2022 | archive-date=8 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608140949/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/legendary-kannada-actor-rajkumar-who-also-excelled-as-a-singer/article65487495.ece/amp/ | url-status=live }}

File:Ravi Srivatsa with Raj Family01.jpg, Shiva Rajkumar, Parvathamma Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar]]

At the age of 24, Rajkumar married his 14-year-old cousin, Parvathamma, on 25 June 1953 in Nanjangud.{{cite web | last1 = Tekur | first1 = Sumaa | title = I'm alive today because Rajkumar is still with me: Parvathamma Rajkumar | url = http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-i-m-alive-today-because-rajkumar-is-still-with-me-parvathamma-rajkumar-1370731 | work = Daily News and Analysis | access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424045817/http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-i-m-alive-today-because-rajkumar-is-still-with-me-parvathamma-rajkumar-1370731 | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | url-status = live | date = 13 April 2010}} This was in accordance with the betrothal that their fathers made following the latter's birth.{{Cite web|url = https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vvPaSJMjoTI&feature=youtu.be|title = Dr Rajkumar - Talking about Marriage|website = YouTube| date=9 March 2017 |access-date = 7 October 2021|archive-date = 25 January 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052959/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=vvPaSJMjoTI&feature=youtu.be|url-status = live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Love-is-life/article15605725.ece|title=Love is life - SouthKannada - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu|date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423192420/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Love-is-life/article15605725.ece|archive-date=23 April 2017|last1=Ganesh|first1=Deepa}} Together, they had five children: sons Shiva, Raghavendra and Puneeth, and daughters Lakshmi and Poornima. Having lived a "hand to mouth existence" after marriage in a joint family that included 24 children in Madras, the family moved to Bangalore in 1972, after Rajkumar began getting multiple film offers.{{cite news | last1 = Ganesh | first1 = Deepa | title = Love is life | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Love-is-life/article15605725.ece | newspaper = The Hindu | access-date = 23 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170423192420/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Love-is-life/article15605725.ece | archive-date = 23 April 2017 | date = 24 December 2010}}

{{Main|Kidnapping of Rajkumar}}

On 30 July 2000, Rajkumar, his son-in-law Govindaraju and two others were abducted by Veerappan from the actor's palatial house at Gajanur. Veerappan demanded the release of his gang members who were being held in jail under a defunct anti-terrorism law. The event prompted a massive manhunt and threw the Karnataka government into crisis. The Supreme Court of India opined that it was "unpardonable" on the part of the government of Tamil Nadu for not providing security to Rajkumar, although they had information a year earlier that he faced a threat of being kidnapped by Veerappan.{{cite web | title = TN's failure on Rajkumar's security unpardonable – SC | url = http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/163450/ | website = The Indian Express | date = 20 October 2000}} A Special Task Force (STF) set up to capture Veerapan had earlier warned Rajkumar against visiting the farmhouse, and his son Raghavendra later acknowledged that his father had not taken the threat seriously.[http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1716/17161310.htm Veerappan's prize catch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110170447/http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1716/17161310.htm |date=10 November 2012 }}. The Hindu (20 December 1998).

After a total of 108 days in captivity,{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/generations-to-come-will-marvel-at-the-brilliance-of-dr-rajkumar-the-ultimate-kannada-superstar-2590541.html|title=Generations to Come Will Marvel at the Brilliance of Dr Rajkumar, the Ultimate Kannada Superstar|website=News18|date=24 April 2020|access-date=30 October 2021|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030074232/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/generations-to-come-will-marvel-at-the-brilliance-of-dr-rajkumar-the-ultimate-kannada-superstar-2590541.html|url-status=live}} Rajkumar was released unharmed on 15 November 2000. His abduction and the manner in which his release was secured remains a mystery.{{cite web | url = http://www.rediff.com/news/rajakid.htm | title = The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar | work = Rediff.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131030003840/http://www.rediff.com/news/rajakid.htm | url-status = live }}

Image:Rajkumar Jayanagar.JPG]]

On 12 April 2006, Rajkumar returned to his Sadashivanagar residence after his regular 20-minute walk and had a general medical check-up by 11:30 a.m. (IST). At 1:50 pm (IST), as he sat on a sofa, he asked a member of his family to slow the fan down and immediately collapsed. His personal physician Ramana Rao was called for, who rushed within three minutes, and performed external cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Rajkumar was then taken to MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital and was administered intracardiac injections. Efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead at 2:05 pm (IST). His death occurred 12 days before his 77th birthday.{{cite web | title = Kannada actor Rajkumar dies of heart attack | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Kannada-actor-Rajkumar-dies-of-heart-attack/articleshow/1487948.cms | work = The Times of India | access-date = 24 April 2017 | date = 13 April 2006 | archive-date = 12 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412222634/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Kannada-actor-Rajkumar-dies-of-heart-attack/articleshow/1487948.cms | url-status = live }} His eyes were donated to two visually impaired persons the same day.{{cite web| title = Rajkumar's eyes grafted to two visually impaired| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajkumars-eyes-grafted-to-two-visually-impaired/articleshow/1489618.cms| work = The Times of India| access-date = 24 April 2017| date = 13 April 2006| archive-date = 24 April 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424171902/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajkumars-eyes-grafted-to-two-visually-impaired/articleshow/1489618.cms| url-status = live}}

Rajkumar's death triggered an outpouring of grief. There was major shutdown in the city of Bengaluru. An unofficial bandh (closure of all shops and other establishments) was observed. Several people attempted suicide after hearing the news; most of them were rescued. The funeral cortège the next day started from Sree Kanteerava Stadium to Kanteerava Studios a few minutes before 12:30 pm (IST), a distance of {{convert|14|km|mi}}.{{cite web | last1 = Sastry | first1 = Anil Kumar | last2 = Subramanya | first2 = K. V. | title = Rajkumar laid to rest | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/rajkumar-laid-to-rest/article3147305.ece | website = The Hindu | access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424170315/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/rajkumar-laid-to-rest/article3147305.ece | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | date = 14 April 2006|url-status=dead}} Around two million people followed his remains. However, the entire procession was marked with violence with mourners attacking public property, and police, who resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas.{{cite web | title = Rajkumar fans turn violent in Bangalore | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rajkumar-fans-turn-violent-in-bangalore/story-YXnI42nh61oCKsSPzImB3O.html| work = Hindustan Times| access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424165958/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/rajkumar-fans-turn-violent-in-bangalore/story-YXnI42nh61oCKsSPzImB3O.html | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | date = 13 April 2006}} Passing through Krishna Raja Circle, Palace Road, T. Chowdiah Road, Sadashivanagar, Yeswanthpur and Goraguntepalya localities, the cortège reached the Studios at 4:45 pm (IST). His body was buried with State honours at 5:45 p.m (IST) at the premises of the studios. The last rites were performed by his eldest son Shiva, guided by priests from the city's ISKCON and the Gayathri Temples.

The then President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had condoled his death. In the condolence message, he had praised his versatility and everlasting contributions to the Indian cinema.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13kalam.htm|title=President Kalam condoles Dr Rajkumar's death|website=Rediff|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506142816/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13kalam.htm|url-status=live}}

On 19 April, the government of Karnataka announced that a memorial would be made in Rajkumar's honour at Kanteerava Studios in association with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce at the cost {{INR}} 100 million.{{cite web | title = Rajkumar Memorial to cost Rs 10 Crore | url = http://www.indiaglitz.com/rajkumar-memorial-to-cost-rs10-crore-kannada-news-21930.html | work = indiaglitz.com | access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424172133/http://www.indiaglitz.com/rajkumar-memorial-to-cost-rs10-crore-kannada-news-21930.html | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | date = 20 April 2006}} The blueprint of the memorial was cleared by a panel comprising members of Rajkumar's family, representatives of the Kannada film industry and the state government.{{cite web | title = Dr. Rajkumar Memorial | url = http://kanteeravastudios.com/Honor.aspx | work = Kanteerava Studios | publisher = kanteeravastudios.com | access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424161812/http://kanteeravastudios.com/Honor.aspx | archive-date = 24 April 2017}} After a delay over allocation of funds and land, it was finally opened in November 2014, after a sum of {{INR}} 70 million was used in developing it over an area of {{convert|2.5|acre}}. It included "an open-air auditorium, mini-water body, landscaping and a bust" of Rajkumar. 40 photographs of selected films of Rajkumar were kept on display at the inauguration.{{cite web | last1 = Khajane | first1 = Muralidhara | title = Rajkumar memorial opening to be star-studded affair | url = http://www.thehindu.com:80/news/national/karnataka/rajkumar-memorial-opening-to-be-starstudded-affair/article6538729.ece | work = The Hindu | access-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141205055536/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/rajkumar-memorial-opening-to-be-starstudded-affair/article6538729.ece | archive-date = 5 December 2014 | date = 27 October 2014|url-status=dead}} A permanent exhibition on the history of Rajkumar's films that included his photographs, trophies and souvenirs, alongside a stock of dialogue, scripts, songs and other memorabilia associated with him were put on display. An annual calendar for 2012 was released containing photographs of Rajkumar and stills from his films.{{cite web | title = Dr Rajakumar {{sic | nolink = y|Calender}} Continues|url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/36476/sandalwood/dr-rajakumar-calender-continues-news-details|publisher=supergoodmovies.com|access-date=24 April 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910184348/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/36476/sandalwood/dr-rajakumar-calender-continues-news-details|archive-date=10 September 2012|date=5 January 2012|url-status=dead}} His fan clubs conduct blood donation and eye donation camps on the occasion of his birth and death anniversaries every year.{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2011/Apr/13/prayerscharity-mark-rajkumars-anniversary-244059.html|title=Prayers, charity mark Rajkumar's anniversary - The New Indian Express|website=Newindianexpress.com|date=12 May 2012 |access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132534/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2011/apr/13/prayerscharity-mark-rajkumars-anniversary-244059.amp|url-status=live}}

After his death, two audio companies - Saregama India Limited and Mars Recording Private Limited - were pitted against each other over the copyright of his songs as per Section 52(j) of The Copyright Act, 1957.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/hc-to-decide-ownership-of-rajkumar-songs/articleshow/45749612.cms|title=HC to decide ownership of Rajkumar songs|website=The Times of India|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729045053/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/hc-to-decide-ownership-of-rajkumar-songs/articleshow/45749612.cms|url-status=live}}

It was observed that after 15 years into his career, in the mid sixties, when new young filmmakers were searching for actors who were less theatrical, Rajkumar had to undergo a transformation in his acting style and succeeded in proving that he could handle roles which were subtle, mellow and soft without the need for theatrical histrionics.{{cite news|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/12-april-2006-rajkumar-legendary-kannada-film-actor-died|title=12 April 2006: Rajkumar, legendary Kannada film actor, died -|newspaper=What Happened on This Day in History - Maps of India|date=12 April 2014|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629054414/https://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/12-april-2006-rajkumar-legendary-kannada-film-actor-died|url-status=live}} He went on to be known for portraying versatile roles with elan.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-rip/377361|title=Rajkumar, R.I.P.|website=outlookindia.com/|date=2 August 2022|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630004416/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-rip/377361|url-status=live}}

He was also praised for his ability to integrate actors' virtues with the power of a superstar without letting one erase the other by acting as a gulf between mainstream popular movies and artistic cinemas.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=elzjCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT42|title=Legends of Indian Silver Screen|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|isbn=9788123021164|via=Google Books|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053007/https://books.google.com/books?id=elzjCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT42|url-status=live}} It was also noted that it was his subtle acting prowess, spontaneous style and his flair to give the reel characters a real credibility which singled him out to the top and helped him to never be out of the running by withstanding the onslaught of time, age and the ever changing demands of celluloid world.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/12rajobit.htm|title=Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema|website=Rediff|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811092545/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/12rajobit.htm|url-status=live}}

Jnanapith awardee U. R. Ananthamurthy had noted that movies of Rajkumar were less melodramatic than the movies of his counterparts at that time in other languages—MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and NTR.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-maryada-purushotham/story-Ej0BCH4patwj5lMvMdN4iM.html|title=The ?Maryada Purushotham?|date=15 April 2006|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629051831/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-maryada-purushotham/story-Ej0BCH4patwj5lMvMdN4iM.html|url-status=live}}

Amitabh Bachchan had praised Rajkumar's simplicity and his ability to perform any role to perfection.{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/dr-raj-was-fond-of-me-big-b/34410|title=Dr Raj was fond of me Big B|date=26 February 2009|website=Mid-day|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629121624/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/dr-raj-was-fond-of-me-big-b/34410|url-status=live}} Anil Kapoor called him the "emperor of all the actors"{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-is-the-emperor-of-all-actors-says-anil-kapoor/articleshow/71091453.cms |title='Dr Rajkumar is the emperor of all actors' says Anil Kapoor |website=The Times of India |last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana |access-date=28 September 2019 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014070828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-is-the-emperor-of-all-actors-says-anil-kapoor/articleshow/71091453.cms |url-status=live }} and a pride of Indian film industry.{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/kannada-cinema-beats-from-anil-kapoor-praising-rajkumar-to-sudeep-s-daughter-reacting-to-pailwan-pxq4mw|title=Kannada Cinema Beats: From Anil Kapoor praising Rajkumar to Sudeep's daughter reacting to Pailwan|website=newsable.asianetnews.com|access-date=14 July 2020|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714211635/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/kannada-cinema-beats-from-anil-kapoor-praising-rajkumar-to-sudeep-s-daughter-reacting-to-pailwan-pxq4mw|url-status=live}}

Girish Kasaravalli had called him a great actor by any standards.{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2006/11/27/girish-kasaravalli-criticises-dff-over-dr-rajkumars-photo-faux-pas-1164625617.html|title=DFF commits faux pas over Dr Rajkumar's photo|date=27 November 2006|website=oneindia.com|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052910/https://www.oneindia.com/2006/11/27/girish-kasaravalli-criticises-dff-over-dr-rajkumars-photo-faux-pas-1164625617.html|url-status=live}} Jayanth Kaikini had said that the variety and intensity which Rajkumar had managed as an actor was unmatched world over.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/a-day-dedicated-to-kannada-actor-rajkumar/article7134361.ece|title=A theatrical swing|first=Deepa|last=Ganesh|date=27 April 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703122115/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/a-day-dedicated-to-kannada-actor-rajkumar/article7134361.ece|url-status=live}}

When Rajkumar completed 200 movies in lead roles in Kannada films, P. Lankesh edited a special issue of Lankesh Patrike in 1988 titled Innooru Chitragala Raja dedicating to him.{{cite web|url=http://old.upperstall.com/people/rajkumar|title=Rajkumar|website=old.upperstall.com|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616060437/http://old.upperstall.com/people/rajkumar|url-status=dead}}

Rajkumar made movies against perceived social evils throughout his career. His debut movie Bedara Kannappa (1954) addressed social discrimination.{{cite web| url = https://www.telugucinema.com/Bhakta-Kannappa-1976-Retrospective| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308085524/http://www.telugucinema.com/Bhakta-Kannappa-1976-Retrospective| archive-date = 8 March 2016| title = Bhakta Kannappa (1976) - Retrospective {{!}} telugucinema.com}} The 1957 movie Rayara Sose speaks against the evil practice of dowry.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46|title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film|first=M. K.|last=Raghavendra|date=22 June 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199088430|via=Google Books|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052906/https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46#v=onepage&q=Mahishasura%20Mardini%20kannada%20movie%20released%20in%20eight%20languages&f=false|url-status=live}} The 1958 movie Shree Krishna Gaarudi, which narrates the bickering and squabbling among the Pandavas for portfolios, allegorises the politics in the then newly formed Mysore state.{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kurukshetra-movie-review-the-mahabharta-is-told-more-with-more-focus-on-flesh-than-the-spirit-7139721.html|title=Kurukshetra movie review: The Mahabharta is told more with more focus on flesh, than the spirit|date=10 August 2019|website=Firstpost|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=10 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410021539/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kurukshetra-movie-review-the-mahabharta-is-told-more-with-more-focus-on-flesh-than-the-spirit-7139721.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46| title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film| isbn=9780199088430| last1=k Raghavendra| first1=M.| date=22 June 2011| publisher=Oxford University Press| access-date=4 October 2020| archive-date=25 January 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125052906/https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=Mahishasura+Mardini+kannada+movie+released+in+eight+languages&pg=PT46#v=onepage&q=Mahishasura%20Mardini%20kannada%20movie%20released%20in%20eight%20languages&f=false| url-status=live}}

The 1962 movie Bhoodana was based Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement and speaks about the religious conversion of the marginalised.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/bhoodana-the-classic-at-55/article8607600.ece|title=Bhoodana: the classic at 55|first=Deepa|last=Ganesh|newspaper=The Hindu|date=16 May 2016|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=16 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516133902/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/bhoodana-the-classic-at-55/article8607600.ece|url-status=live}} The 1964 movie Naandi was acclaimed for capturing the real-time plights of those with hearing impairments.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/international-mother-language-day-films-in-bengali-gujarati-kannada-kashmiri-assamese-marathi-maithili-and-odia/cid/1747332|title='Movie' over the subtitle barrier with these must-watch films in 8 Indian languages|website=Telegraphindia.com|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053406/https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/international-mother-language-day-films-in-bengali-gujarati-kannada-kashmiri-assamese-marathi-maithili-and-odia/cid/1747332|url-status=live}} The 1967 movie Bangarada Hoovu spoke about misconceptions about leprosy{{cite tweet|number=1517094757876604929|user=NFAIOfficial|title=#FaceOfTheWeek #Rajkumar and Kalpana starred in the leading roles in this passionate romantic tale, #BangaradaHoovu…|date=21 April 2022}} - especially the notion that leprosy is a consequence of one's past sins.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=bangarada+hoovu+speaks+about+leprosy&pg=PT76|title=Bipolar Identity: Region, Nation, and the Kannada Language Film|isbn=9780199088430|last1=k Raghavendra|first1=M.|date=22 June 2011|publisher=Oxford University Press|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053430/https://books.google.com/books?id=3vQtDwAAQBAJ&q=bangarada+hoovu+speaks+about+leprosy&pg=PT76#v=snippet&q=bangarada%20hoovu%20speaks%20about%20leprosy&f=false|url-status=live}} The 1968 movie Hannele Chiguridaga deals with the empowerment of women in education and widow marriage.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/walking-the-pioneers-path/article2273510.ece|title=Walking the pioneer's path|newspaper=The Hindu|date=24 August 2007|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132538/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/walking-the-pioneers-path/article2273510.ece|url-status=live}} The 1968 movie Mannina Maga depicted the difficulty of sustaining community life in a city resulting in turn away from it in favour of a village.{{cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/bangalore-in-kannada-films/articleshow/72115209.cms |title=Bangalore in Kannada films |website=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119073743/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/bangalore-in-kannada-films/articleshow/72115209.cms |archive-date=19 November 2019}} The 1969 movie Uyyale presents a delicate tale of the extra-marital love of a woman neglected by her husband {{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dr-rajkumar-s-uyyale-in-iffi-retrospective-778491.html|title=Dr Rajkumar's 'Uyyale' in IFFI retrospective|date=21 November 2019|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=7 June 2022|archive-date=7 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607202958/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dr-rajkumar-s-uyyale-in-iffi-retrospective-778491.html|url-status=live}} reflecting the social and moral laws of married life.{{cite tweet|number=1530469237860745216|user=NFAIOfficial|title=#SaturdayVibes: Kalpana in acclaimed #Kannada film #Uyyale (1969). The film presents a delicate tale of the extra-m…|date=28 May 2022}} The 1969 movie Mayor Muthanna had a sub-plot of salvaging of the sub-standard grain and black marketing.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tribute-to-director-siddalingaiah-on-his-83rd-birth-anniversary-which-falls-on-december-15/article30295337.ece|title=Remembering S Siddalingaiah, destined to direct|first=Shilpa Sebastian|last=R|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 December 2019|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114130609/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tribute-to-director-siddalingaiah-on-his-83rd-birth-anniversary-which-falls-on-december-15/article30295337.ece|url-status=live}}

The 1971 movie Kasturi Nivasa charts the rise of modern manufacturing techniques and the ill effects of orthodox approach towards upgradation of technology.{{cite web|url=https://cinemachaat.com/2017/11/02/kasturi-nivasa/|title=Kasturi Nivasa|first=Heather|last=Wilson|date=2 November 2017|access-date=12 November 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621003022/https://cinemachaat.com/2017/11/02/kasturi-nivasa/|url-status=live}} The 1971 movie Sakshatkara speaks about superstitions and manipulation of beliefs.{{cite web |url=https://www.sunnxt.com/movie/detail/17425/sakshatkara |title=Bio |website=Sunnxt.com |date= |access-date=8 February 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209100726/https://www.sunnxt.com/movie/detail/17425/sakshatkara/ |url-status=live }} The central theme of 1972 movie Bangaarada Manushya - returning to one's ancestral village - inspired youth to take up agriculture.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/cinema/kannada-film-actor-dr-rajkumar-and-kannada-culture-825237.html|title=ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ 'ರಾಜ'|website=Prajavani.net|date=25 April 2021|access-date=25 April 2021|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425171032/https://www.prajavani.net/entertainment/cinema/kannada-film-actor-dr-rajkumar-and-kannada-culture-825237.html|url-status=live}} The film also touched on very important topics like rural development, modern agricultural practices and co-operative movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.chitraloka.com/history/3888-history-53-bangarada-manushya-creates-record.html|title=History 53 - Bangarada Manushya Creates Record|website=Chitraloka.com|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070536/https://www.chitraloka.com/history/3888-history-53-bangarada-manushya-creates-record.html|url-status=live}} The 1973 movie Bidugade speaks about capital punishment based on circumstantial evidence be done away with. The 1973 movie Gandhada Gudi was reported to be the first Indian movie made on the concept of protection of forest and wildlife conservation{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-on-the-move/kannada-film-picks-forworld-environment-day-846454.html|title=Kannada film picks forWorld Environment Day|date=6 June 2020|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607125422/https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-on-the-move/kannada-film-picks-forworld-environment-day-846454.html|url-status=live}} with a focus on the need to preserve the flora and fauna at a time when the CITES treaty was signed with an aim to reduce the economic incentive to poach endangered species.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/masti-gudi-lopsided-concern-for-tiger/article18446493.ece|title=Masti Gudi: Lopsided concern for tiger|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 May 2017|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023820/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/masti-gudi-lopsided-concern-for-tiger/article18446493.ece|url-status=live}} The 1974 movie Sampathige Savaal speaks subtely about the abolishment of Zamindar system {{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/here-are-some-must-watch-iconic-films-of-dr-rajkumar-829441.html|title=Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=24 April 2020|access-date=7 October 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420025022/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/metrolife/metrolife-lifestyle/here-are-some-must-watch-iconic-films-of-dr-rajkumar-829441.html|url-status=live}} by portraying the rich versus poor in a rural backdrop.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/article/from-bhootayyana-maga-ayyu-to-sampathige-savaal-7-kannada-movies-which-are-known-for-its-amazing-storyline/740967|title=From Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu to Sampathige Savaal: 7 Kannada movies which are known for its amazing storyline|website=Timesnownews.com|date=5 April 2021 |access-date=7 October 2021|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007172739/https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/entertainment-news/kannada/article/from-bhootayyana-maga-ayyu-to-sampathige-savaal-7-kannada-movies-which-are-known-for-its-amazing-storyline/740967|url-status=live}}

The 1985 movie Jwaalamukhi speaks about marks card forgery.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/is-puneeths-next-project-titled-jwalamukhi/articleshow/66233713.cms|title=Is Puneeth's next project titled 'Jwalamukhi'?|website=The Times of India|access-date=30 August 2020|archive-date=4 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504000720/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/is-puneeths-next-project-titled-jwalamukhi/articleshow/66233713.cms|url-status=live}} The 1985 movie Dhruva Thare speaks about the oppression by the higher class and the need for the minimum wages. The 1986 movie Anuraga Aralithu speaks about the implementation of labour reforms in factory. The 1987 movie Shruthi Seridaaga made a strong statement against believing horoscope blindly. The 1987 movie Ondu Muttina Kathe was a narration on how the value of objects differ across the social strata, especially among the literate and the illiterate.{{cite news|url = https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/remembering-shankar/article8336569.ece|title = Remembering Shankar|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 10 March 2016|last1 = Kumar|first1 = S. Shiva|access-date = 9 November 2021|archive-date = 9 November 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211109152105/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/remembering-shankar/article8336569.ece/amp/|url-status = live}}

The 1992 movie Jeevana Chaitra instigated many villages to ban arrack shops.{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/Cinemaster-Are-criminals-schooled-at-movie-halls/articleshow/21327078.cms|title=Cinemaster: Are criminals schooled at movie halls?|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053416/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/our-father-in-heaven-bless-our-motherland/articleshowajax/21327625.cms?version=18&enforceseoatarticle=0&lastarticle=21327573&photocount=6&photoexclude=3|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=7704&ptype=News&title=WOMEN+STRIKE+WITH+POWER|title=Kannada Movie/Cinema News - Women Strike With Power|website=chitratara.com|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132536/http://chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=7704&ptype=News&title=WOMEN+STRIKE+WITH+POWER|url-status=live}} The 1993 movie Aakasmika was about woman trafficking and prostitution racquet.{{Cite web|url=http://travel2films.com/%e0%b2%86%e0%b2%95%e0%b2%b8%e0%b3%8d%e0%b2%ae%e0%b2%bf%e0%b2%95-unexpected-all-akasmika/|title=ಆಕಸ್ಮಿಕ [Unexpected] all Akasmika|website=Travel2films.com|access-date=7 June 2022|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132537/http://travel2films.com/%E0%B2%86%E0%B2%95%E0%B2%B8%E0%B3%8D%E0%B2%AE%E0%B2%BF%E0%B2%95-unexpected-all-akasmika/|url-status=live}}

His last movie Shabdavedhi (2000) was about drug abuse and its ill effects on the youth.

Veteran journalist and writer Patil Puttappa had described Rajkumar as a natural strength of Kannada whose mass appeal was much more than any leader in Indian politics.{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2006/04/13/rajkumar-man-of-qualities-real-superstar.html|title=Rajkumar: Man of Qualities and the real superstar|date=13 April 2006|website=oneindia.com|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626144518/https://www.oneindia.com/2006/04/13/rajkumar-man-of-qualities-real-superstar.html|url-status=live}} He was also praised for confining himself to the Kannada cinema through a conscious decision. His movies were praised for showing consistent interest in building a Kannada society and not a Kannada nation as such.{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/two-or-three-things-about-rajkumar/articleshow/58230468.cms|title=Two or three things about Rajkumar - Bangalore Mirror|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=25 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625052523/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/views/two-or-three-things-about-rajkumar/amp_articleshow/58230468.cms|url-status=live}} They were also noted for holding up the value of civility and refrain from peddling hatred.{{cite web | url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/superstar-rajkumar-is-more-than-a-moral-icon-for-karnataka-hes-an-intimate-presence/1764424/ | title=Superstar 'Rajkumar' is more than a moral icon for Karnataka. He's an intimate presence | website=ThePrint | date=16 September 2023 | access-date=13 November 2023 | archive-date=13 November 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113070830/https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/superstar-rajkumar-is-more-than-a-moral-icon-for-karnataka-hes-an-intimate-presence/1764424/ | url-status=live }} His presence was reported to have filled the void between the state and the nation which neither the littérateurs nor the politicians could accomplish.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/requiem-to-an-era/cid/1024895|title=Requiem to an Era|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702080958/https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/requiem-to-an-era/cid/1024895|url-status=live}}

Some observers are of the opinion that his star appeal helped bring together the diverse regions of Karnataka. The state was carved out in 1956, bringing together different regions like Hyderabad Karnataka, which were areas ruled by the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad; Mumbai Karnataka, which has a strong Marathi influence; Old Mysore region ruled by the Mysore royal family and the hilly regions and coastal belt. Each region has a distinct identity within the state and Rajkumar was accepted as a Kannada icon across all regions. He spoke Kannada in a distinct way which had a universal appeal across the state. This was an important aspect since his career played out when the state's identity was still evolving.{{cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/rajkumar-kannada-superstar-who-did-not-join-karnataka-politics|title=Karnataka's Reluctant Politician: The Life and Times of Annavaru|first=T. M.|last=Veeraraghav|date=24 April 2018|website=TheQuint|access-date=10 August 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001234238/https://www.thequint.com/voices/opinion/rajkumar-kannada-superstar-who-did-not-join-karnataka-politics|url-status=live}} Rajkumar's movies were largely credited for creating a unified Kannada cultural space after the formation of the state.{{cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/kannada-features/ten-landmark-films-of-kannada-cinema/|title=Ten Landmark Films of Kannada Cinema You Can Watch Now|first=M. K.|last=Raghavendra|date=28 June 2017|access-date=27 September 2020|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924212208/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/kannada-features/ten-landmark-films-of-kannada-cinema/|url-status=live}} It was reported that before linguistic reorganisation of the states, the default state border for the Kannada speaking population was the last point where Rajkumar films were distributed.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/the-last-of-the-cultural-icons/230908|title=The Last of the Cultural Icons|website=outlookindia.com/|date=27 January 2022|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629184429/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/the-last-of-the-cultural-icons/230908|url-status=live}}

He was considered as a strong symbol of Kannada identity.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/bengaluru-artist-pro-kannada-groups-flex-banners-power_in_5d8c8e2ce4b0e9e76047e1b4|title=A Bengaluru Artist Is Tracing How Pro-Kannada Groups Use Flex Banners To Assert Power|website=huffingtonpost.in|date=27 September 2019 |access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630145816/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/amp/entry/bengaluru-artist-pro-kannada-groups-flex-banners-power_in_5d8c8e2ce4b0e9e76047e1b4/|url-status=live}}

Bollywood actor Prithviraj Kapoor had requested Rajkumar to act with him in a Hindi movie but Rajkumar had refused the offer in spite of Hindi movies having wider market than Kannada. Later, Prithviraj Kapoor went on to share the screen with him in the Kannada movie Sakshatkara directed by Puttanna Kanagal.{{Cite web|title=7 Interesting facts about Dr. Rajkumar|website=Metrosaga.com|date=24 April 2017|url=https://metrosaga.com/7-interesting-facts-about-dr-rajkumar-we-bet-you-were-not-aware-of/|access-date=8 March 2021|archive-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622064154/https://metrosaga.com/7-interesting-facts-about-dr-rajkumar-we-bet-you-were-not-aware-of/|url-status=live}} He had also refused to appear in a cameo for Amitabh Bachchan's 1983 Hindi movie Coolie as he did not want to appear in a non-Kannada movie. Further, he thought that it would not be good for an actor to look down on another actor as the scene involved Amitabh touching the feet of Rajkumar's character - a sequence which appeared before the introduction song of Amitabh's character.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/amitabh-bachchan-had-asked-dr-rajkumar-to-do-a-cameo-in-coolie/article29648346.ece|title=Amitabh Bachchan had asked Dr Rajkumar to do a cameo in 'Coolie'|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|date=10 October 2019|newspaper=The Hindu|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230910130720/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/amitabh-bachchan-had-asked-dr-rajkumar-to-do-a-cameo-in-coolie/article29648346.ece|archive-date=10 September 2023}} In spite of having appeared only in Kannada movies, he was reasonably popular amongst the non- Kannadigas too.{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/Apr/25/non-kannadigas-remember-their-raj-on-his-birthday-1805917.html|title=Non-Kannadigas remember their 'Raj' on his Birthday - The New Indian Express|website=The New Indian Express|date=8 April 2018 |access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=25 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625110112/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/apr/25/non-kannadigas-remember-their-raj-on-his-birthday-1805917.amp|url-status=live}} His films have inspired many non-Kannadigas to learn the language.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mangaluru/rajkumar-contributed-immensely-to-kannada-language-730516.html|title=Rajkumar contributed immensely to Kannada language|date=24 April 2019|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630080848/https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mangaluru/rajkumar-contributed-immensely-to-kannada-language-730516.html|url-status=live}} In spite of strong Kannada conservatism in his movies, they were noted to have transcended the barriers of language to connect with the ethos of the nation.{{Cite web | url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/how-with-puneeth-rajkumars-passing-away-already-muted-kannada-conservatism-loses-a-glorious-figurehead-10107171.html/amp | title=How with Puneeth Rajkumar's passing away, the already muted Kannada conservatism loses a glorious figurehead | website=Firstpost.com | date=3 November 2021 | access-date=8 April 2022 | archive-date=8 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408144417/https://www.firstpost.com/india/how-with-puneeth-rajkumars-passing-away-already-muted-kannada-conservatism-loses-a-glorious-figurehead-10107171.html/amp | url-status=live }}

Kuvempu considered him to be the most suitable ambassador to propagate his idea of Universal Human (Vishwamanava). His 1972 movie Bangaarada Manushya was credited for inspiring the urban youth to take up farming by popularising modern farming technology.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bangarada-manushya-how-kannada-classic-inspired-many-take-farming-83425?amp|title='Bangarada Manushya': How this Kannada classic inspired many to take up farming|website=Thenewsminute.com|date=21 June 2018|access-date=22 August 2021|archive-date=22 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822131444/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bangarada-manushya-how-kannada-classic-inspired-many-take-farming-83425?amp|url-status=live}}

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor had called him "The emperor of all actors".{{Cite news|title=Dr. Rajkumar is the emperor of all actors{{!}} Times of India|website=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-is-the-emperor-of-all-actors-says-anil-kapoor/articleshow/71091453.cms|access-date=8 March 2021|last1=Suresh|first1=Sunayana|archive-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014070828/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-is-the-emperor-of-all-actors-says-anil-kapoor/articleshow/71091453.cms|url-status=live}} Rana Daggubati had revealed that he had referred Rajkumar's performance in the 1983 movie Bhakta Prahlada for his preparation for the role of Hiranyakashipu.{{Cite news|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/i-had-failed-class-10-but-that-did-not-discourage-me-from-following-my-dreams-rana-daggubati/articleshow/74044417.cms|title = I had failed Class 10, but that did not discourage me from following my dreams: Rana Daggubati|website = The Times of India|last1 = Chakravorty|first1 = Joyeeta|access-date = 22 August 2021|archive-date = 12 December 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201212071106/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/i-had-failed-class-10-but-that-did-not-discourage-me-from-following-my-dreams-rana-daggubati/articleshow/74044417.cms|url-status = live}}

During the interview for promotions of 2.0, Rajinikanth had said that 10 MGRs were equal to 1 Rajkumar.{{cite web | url = https://www.chitraloka.com/news/18914-10-mgr-is-equal-to-1-rajkumar-rajanikanth.html | title = 10 ಎಂಜಿಆರ್‍ಗೆ ಒಬ್ಬ ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್ ಸಮ - ರಜನಿಕಾಂತ್ | website = chitraloka.com | access-date = 13 January 2019 | archive-date = 24 June 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210624031612/https://www.chitraloka.com/news/18914-10-mgr-is-equal-to-1-rajkumar-rajanikanth.html | url-status = live }} Rajinikanth had also revealed that the only autograph he has ever taken in his life is of Rajkumar.{{cite news | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/The-only-autograph-I-have-is-that-of-Rajkumar-Rajinikanth/articleshow/45318275.cms | title = The only autograph I have is that of Rajkumar: Rajinikanth | website = The Times of India | last1 = Cr | first1 = Sharanya | access-date = 6 May 2019 | archive-date = 15 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170415151534/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/The-only-autograph-I-have-is-that-of-Rajkumar-Rajinikanth/articleshow/45318275.cms | url-status = live }} He had also remarked that Rajkumar was a combination of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi7ls2CXDGo |title=Fans Convention: Rajinikanth's Speech About Dr Rajkumar in Chennai. - YouTube |website=YouTube |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812170216/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi7ls2CXDGo |url-status=dead }} Vishnuvardhan said he was biggest worshipper of Rajkumar.{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/vishnu-connects-with-rajs-atma/articleshow/22180437.cms|title=Vishnu connects with Raj's atma|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=9 January 2024|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109155104/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/vishnu-connects-with-rajs-atma/articleshow/22180437.cms|url-status=live}}

B. Saroja Devi called upon the present generation artistes to adopt and emulate the values and ideals cherished by the actor for the growth of the Kannada film industry.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/emulate-dr-rajkumar-saroja-devi/article5509102.ece | title=Emulate Dr. Rajkumar: Saroja Devi | newspaper=The Hindu | date=27 December 2013 }}

The Pampa Award for writers was instituted by the Government of Karnataka on his behest.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/The-Raj-route/article14691499.ece|title=The Raj route|first=Jayant|last=Kaikini|newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 April 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230910142649/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/The-Raj-route/article14691499.ece|archive-date=10 September 2023}} The cash prize of ₹1,00,000 which he received with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was given as donation to Kannada Sahitya Parishat.{{cite web | url=https://chithrapatha.com/kannada-film-rajkumar-sandalwood/ | title=ಡಾ.ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ್ : ರೂಪದೊಳಗಿನ ರೂಪಕ | date=21 February 2021 | access-date=20 November 2022 | archive-date=20 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120170434/https://chithrapatha.com/kannada-film-rajkumar-sandalwood/ | url-status=live }} He gave away the proceeds of 57 musical night programmes as donations to build stadiums in 21 districts of Karnataka.

After Rajkumar's eyes were donated as per his last wish, the eye donation in Karnataka was reported to have increased by 400%.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rajkumar-effect-fans-come-forward-to-pledge-eyes-1092730|title=Rajkumar effect: Fans come forward to pledge eyes|date=24 April 2007|website=DNA India|access-date=27 July 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043954/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rajkumar-effect-fans-come-forward-to-pledge-eyes-1092730|url-status=live}} The director of the 2021 Kannada movie Akshi which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada at the 67th National Film Awards had revealed that the act of eye donation by Rajkumar was the inspiration for the plot of his movie.{{Cite web|url = https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/a-kannada-film-inspired-by-rajkumar-wins-award-965202.html|title = A Kannada film inspired by Rajkumar wins award|date = 22 March 2021|access-date = 29 March 2021|archive-date = 25 April 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132537/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/entertainment/entertainment-news/a-kannada-film-inspired-by-rajkumar-wins-award-965202.html|url-status = live}}

The initial move to shift the operations of the Kannada cinema gradually from Madras to Bangalore has been credited to Rajkumar's home productions.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=htjsDwAAQBAJ&q=Rajkumar+kannada+actor+a+phenomenon&pg=PA45|title=Handbook of Research on Social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema|first1=Biswal, Santosh|last1=Kumar|first2=Kusuma, Krishna|last2=Sankar|first3=Mohanty|last3=Sulagna|date=26 June 2020|publisher=IGI Global|isbn=9781799835134|via=Google Books|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053408/https://books.google.com/books?id=htjsDwAAQBAJ&q=Rajkumar+kannada+actor+a+phenomenon&pg=PA45#v=snippet&q=Rajkumar%20kannada%20actor%20a%20phenomenon&f=false|url-status=live}}

As of April 2016, 71 books and 9 souvenirs have been published on Rajkumar.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/80-works-and-theres-more-to-him/article8504223.ece|title=80 works, and there's more to him|first=MURALIDHARA|last=KHAJANE|date=21 April 2016|work=The Hindu|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230910141133/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/80-works-and-theres-more-to-him/article8504223.ece|archive-date=10 September 2023}} In 2015, after 15 years of research, Doddahulluru Rukkoji released a two-volume, 2,148 page book chronicling Rajkumar's life and achievements.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/biography-rajkumars-life-history-in-a-twovolume-2148page-book/article7811257.ece|title=Rajkumar's life history, in a two-volume, 2,148-page book|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 October 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230910134124/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/biography-rajkumars-life-history-in-a-twovolume-2148page-book/article7811257.ece|archive-date=10 September 2023}} As of May 2023, close to 100 statues of Rajkumar were found in Bangalore alone.{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/photo-show-rajkumar-statues-dominate-cityscape-1215707.html | title=Photo show: Rajkumar statues dominate cityscape | date=5 May 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://thesouthfirst.com/featured/bengaluru-urban-architects-document-700-city-sculptures/ | title=Bengaluru: Urban architects document 700 city sculptures; actor Rajkumar's statues are the most common | date=4 July 2023 }}{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/the-untold-stories-behind-our-sculptures/articleshow/100331799.cms | title=The untold stories behind our sculptures | newspaper=The Times of India | date=19 May 2023 | access-date=10 December 2023 | archive-date=25 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053423/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/the-untold-stories-behind-our-sculptures/articleshow/100331799.cms | url-status=live }}

On the occasion of Rajkumar's 90th birthday, an audio-visual musical extravaganza fund raiser programme titled Raj Vaibhava was conducted in Greater Boston for the benefit of a retirement home in Mumbai.{{cite web |url=https://indianewengland.com/2019/03/celebrating-90-years-of-rajkumar-the-kannada-matinee-idol/ |title=Celebrating 90 years of Rajkumar: The Kannada Matinee Idol - INDIA New England News |work=INDIA New England News |publisher=Indianewengland.com |date=25 March 2019 |access-date=8 February 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616022323/https://indianewengland.com/2019/03/celebrating-90-years-of-rajkumar-the-kannada-matinee-idol/ |url-status=live }} In 2012, an entertainment programme called Dr.Raj Vaibhava based on his movies and songs was conducted in Kuwait in his honour.{{cite web|url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=155182|title=Kuwait: Magic of Dr Rajkumar Comes Alive at KKK Rajyotsava Celebrations|website=Daijiworld.com|access-date=8 February 2021|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214121111/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=155182|url-status=live}}

In 2018, in the run up to the relaunch of Jawa motorbikes, the marketing team of Mahindra & Mahindra used the climax bike stunt sequence of his 1976 movie Naa Ninna Mareyalare as a part of their promotion strategy.{{cite web|url=https://www.newskarnataka.com/bangalore/dr-rajs-film-sequence-sets-prelude-to-iconic-jawas-comeback|title=Dr Raj's film sequence sets prelude to iconic Jawa's comeback|website=NewsKarnataka|date=13 November 2018|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607080301/https://www.newskarnataka.com/bangalore/dr-rajs-film-sequence-sets-prelude-to-iconic-jawas-comeback|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Mahindra used na ninna mareyalare scenes for promotion | ಜಾವಾ ಹೊಸ ಬೈಕ್ ಪ್ರಚಾರ: ಈಗಲೂ ಡಾ. ರಾಜ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಅವರದ್ದೇ ಹವಾ..!|url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/tech-trend/mahindra-used-na-ninna-mareyalare-scenes-for-promotion-110197.html|website=kannada.news18.com|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132536/https://kannada.news18.com/amp/news/national-international/mahindra-used-na-ninna-mareyalare-scenes-for-promotion-110197.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/the-end-of-an-ideal/articleshow/67109219.cms|title=The End of an Ideal|website=The Times of India|date=15 December 2018|access-date=8 February 2021|archive-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131115506/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/the-end-of-an-ideal/articleshow/67109219.cms|url-status=live}}

The tableau of Krishnadevaraya at the 2021 Delhi Republic Day parade was reported to be modelled on Rajkumar.{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/karnataka/karnataka-tableau-in-72nd-republic-day-parade-39499/amp|title=You can see Dr. Rajakumar in 72nd Republic day parade | ರಾಜಪಥದ ಪಥಸಂಚಲನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಚಲನ ಮೂಡಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ್!|website=zeenews.india.com|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=11 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911201607/https://zeenews.india.com/kannada/karnataka/karnataka-tableau-in-72nd-republic-day-parade-39499/amp|url-status=live}} The team of the Kannada movie Daredevil Musthafa released an animation song as a tribute to Rajkumar based on the popular theatre song Ninnanthor Yaaru Ilvallo composed by B. V. Karanth in the honour of Mysore King Kanthirava Narasaraja I whose role was portrayed by Rajkumar in the 1960 movie Ranadheera Kanteerava.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kshvid.com/team-daredevil-musthafa-to-release-a-special-animation-song-tribute-to-dr-rajkumar/|title=Team 'Daredevil Musthafa' To Release A Special Animation Song Tribute To Dr. Rajkumar — KSHVID|date=4 October 2021|access-date=15 October 2021|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021205822/https://www.kshvid.com/team-daredevil-musthafa-to-release-a-special-animation-song-tribute-to-dr-rajkumar/|url-status=dead}} Flower show conducted at Lal Bagh as a tribute to him on the occasion of 75th Independence Day in August 2022 was attended by 8.34 lakh people generating a revenue of ₹3.33 crore.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2022/Aug/16/record-834-lakh-people-flock-to-flower-show-revenue-touches-rs-333-crore-2487906.html | title=Record 8.34 lakh people flock to flower show, revenue touches Rs 3.33 crore - the New Indian Express | date=7 August 2022 | access-date=20 August 2022 | archive-date=25 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132538/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2022/aug/16/record-834-lakh-people-flock-to-flower-show-revenue-touches-rs-333-crore-2487906.amp | url-status=live }}

Political analyst MK Bhaskar Rao had revealed that the Janata Party's J. H. Patel and George Fernandes had approached Rajkumar to contest against Indira Gandhi in the 1978 Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha byelection but he refused saying he wanted to remain apolitical.{{cite news | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/how-fernandes-ran-a-high-voltage-campaign-for-chikkamagaluru-bypoll/articleshow/67745513.cms | title = How Fernandes ran a high-voltage campaign for Chikkamagaluru bypoll | newspaper = The Times of India | access-date = 17 February 2019 | archive-date = 17 February 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190217201055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/how-fernandes-ran-a-high-voltage-campaign-for-chikkamagaluru-bypoll/articleshow/67745513.cms | url-status = live }}

The Hindu had reported that Rajkumar could have swept any poll effortlessly but had decided that the affection and love of the people should not be used to attain power.[https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/this-sarkar-hardly-rules/article25443982.ece This 'Sarkar', hardly rules] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624230304/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/this-sarkar-hardly-rules/article25443982.ece |date=24 June 2021 }}. The Hindu (8 November 2018). Retrieved 12 November 2018. It was also reported that Rajkumar declined to enter politics despite immense pressure as he did not want to be used only as a weapon to defeat anyone and not for any positive contribution.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/remembering-how-rajkumar-kept-away-from-politics/article26926721.ece|title=Remembering how Rajkumar kept away from politics|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|date=24 April 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107231232/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/remembering-how-rajkumar-kept-away-from-politics/article26926721.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/secret-revealed-after-40-years-why-rajkumar-did-not-contest-against-indira-gandhi-in-1978/articleshow/63886116.cms|title=Rajkumar: Secret revealed, after 40 years: Why Rajkumar did not contest against Indira Gandhi in 1978 - Bangalore Mirror|website=Bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132534/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/cover-story/secret-revealed-after-40-years-why-rajkumar-did-not-contest-against-indira-gandhi-in-1978/amp_articleshow/63886116.cms?__twitter_impression=true|url-status=live}} He shunned publicity and politics all his life.{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/generations-to-come-will-marvel-at-the-brilliance-of-dr-rajkumar-the-ultimate-kannada-superstar-2590541.html|title=Generations to Come Will Marvel at the Brilliance of Dr Rajkumar, the Ultimate Kannada Superstar|website=News18.com|date=24 April 2020|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626223550/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/generations-to-come-will-marvel-at-the-brilliance-of-dr-rajkumar-the-ultimate-kannada-superstar-2590541.html|url-status=live}} He was also credited for protecting and promoting the Kannada language without opting for a political career.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/100-years-indian-cinema/100-years-indian-cinemathe-greatest-indian-actor-ever?amp|title=100 Years of Indian Cinema:The Greatest Indian Actor Ever?|website=Pinkvilla.com|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626124539/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/100-years-indian-cinema/100-years-indian-cinemathe-greatest-indian-actor-ever?amp|url-status=live}}

Rajkumar was known for being a highly disciplined man in both his personal and professional lives.{{cite web | url = http://www.onlinebangalore.com/pers/raj.html | title = Padmabushana Dr. Rajkumar – The name will have a mesmerizing effect on several lakhs of Kannadigas who have grown with the aura and magical presence of Rajkumar in the field of Kannada Cinema and Culture. Online Bangaluru (Bengaluru) | publisher = Online Bangalore | access-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-date = 29 April 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230429222054/https://www.onlinebangalore.com/pers/raj.html | url-status = live }} He practised Carnatic music for an hour each day in the morning and in the evening. He was referred to as Gaanagandharva (translation: a heavenly singer).{{cite web|url=https://www.karnataka.com/personalities/rajkumar-kannada-actor/|title=Dr. Rajkumar | Personalities|date=28 September 2011|website=Karnataka.com|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626181323/https://www.karnataka.com/personalities/rajkumar-kannada-actor/|url-status=live}} His punctuality is another noted aspect. Waking up every morning at 4 am, he performed Yoga and Pranayama, which is said to be the reason behind his physical and mental fitness.{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/rajkumar-world-yoga-day-yogi|title=Rajkumar was a great yogi, left his body eight times: Yoga teacher|website=newsable.asianetnews.com|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132536/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/south/rajkumar-world-yoga-day-yogi|url-status=live}} His Yoga performances can be seen in the first clips of his film Kaamana Billu.[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/yoga-keeps-rajkumar-going/articleshow/4170235.cms Yoga keeps Rajkumar going]. The Times of India. 16 August 2000. His waist size was 32 at the time of his death. This fitness is attributed to his practice of Yoga.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Rajkumars-waist-size-was-32/articleshow/45700321.cms|title=Rajkumar's waist size was 32|website=The Times of India|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425134024/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Rajkumars-waist-size-was-32/articleshow/45700321.cms|url-status=live}} Actor John Kokken had revealed that Rajkumar was the inspiration behind him performing Yoga every day.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/video-dr-rajkumar-inspires-john-kokken-to-perform-yoga/articleshow/76387001.cms|title=Video: Dr Rajkumar inspires John Kokken to perform yoga|website=The Times of India|access-date=30 October 2021|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030074232/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/video-dr-rajkumar-inspires-john-kokken-to-perform-yoga/articleshow/76387001.cms|url-status=live}}

He shunned smoking and drinking both on screen and off. To avoid setting a precedent among his fans, he made sure that the roles he accepted did not require him to smoke or drink or utter swear words, and extended this decision to real life. His dress code always consisted of a simple white dhoti and shirt. He spent most of his vacations in his hometown, Gajanur, near the forest area where he was later abducted.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120928090823/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2001-11-12/bangalore/27223182_1_gajanur-rajkumar-gopal Times of India – Gajanur awaits the return of the native]}}. The Times of India. (12 November 2001).

In 1961, he led a movement to collect funds for drought relief.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm|title=The man who changed Kannada cinema|website=Rediff|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=16 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616150743/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm|url-status=live}} He would always refer to his movie-producers as Anna Daataru (food providers) and adored fans as Abhimaani Devarugalu (Fan Gods).[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/After-losing-breadwinners-these-families-struggle-to-eke-out-a-decent-living/article14748121.ece After losing breadwinners, these families struggle to eke out a decent living – KARNATAKA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501105912/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/After-losing-breadwinners-these-families-struggle-to-eke-out-a-decent-living/article14748121.ece |date=1 May 2023 }}. The Hindu (12 April 2007). Retrieved 12 November 2018.

He was a devotee of Raghavendra Swami.{{cite web|url=https://www.newskarnataka.com/raichur/mantralaya-feels-like-home-puneeth-rajkumar|title=Mantralaya feels like home: Puneeth Rajkumar|website=NewsKarnataka|date=3 March 2020|access-date=24 May 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053539/https://newskarnataka.com/karnataka/kalburgi2/raichur/mantralaya-feels-like-home-puneeth-rajkumar/03032020|url-status=live}} When Dr. Rajkumar was chosen for the role of saint Raghavendra Swamiji for Mantralaya Mahatme by T.V. Singh Thakur in 1966, there was an objection from the Madhwa community. They were against a non-vegetarian playing the role of Mantralaya seer. However, Dr. Rajkumar gave up non-vegetarian food and lived like a saint during the entire shoot of the film.{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ushering-the-era-of-historicals/article25387964.ece | title=Ushering the era of historicals in Kannada cinema | newspaper=The Hindu | date=November 2018 | last1=Khajane | first1=Muralidhara }}

Girish Kasaravalli had praised his simplicity, humility, innocence and straight-forwardness.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13nag.htm|title=He brought Kannadigas together|website=Rediff|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017221316/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13nag.htm|url-status=live}} Singeetam Srinivasa Rao called him as one of the two funniest people he has come across in his life.{{cite web|url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/singeetam-srinivasa-rao-interview-golden-rule-cinema-no-golden-rule/|title=Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Interview: "The Golden Rule of Cinema Is That There Is No Golden Rule"|date=29 October 2016|access-date=19 July 2020|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609083310/https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/features/interviews/singeetam-srinivasa-rao-interview-golden-rule-cinema-no-golden-rule/|url-status=live}} S. P. Balasubrahmanyam had praised his courteous and down to earth nature.{{cite web|url=https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/in-several-platform-sp-balasubramanyam-recalling-incident-dr-rajkumar-sung-for-his-movie-045108.html|title=ಹಲವಾರು ತೆಲುಗು ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಎಸ್ಪಿಬಿ ತೋರಿದ್ದ ಧನ್ಯತಾಭಾವ ಹೀಗಿತ್ತು!|first=Balaraj|last=Tantry|date=8 September 2020|website=kannada.filmibeat.com|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031064441/https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/in-several-platform-sp-balasubramanyam-recalling-incident-dr-rajkumar-sung-for-his-movie-045108.html|url-status=live}}

Reminiscing his old days, Kannada director J.G.Krishna had revealed that Rajkumar was responsible for light boys being served food by the film production team after he discovered that they were not being served food on the sets and took initiative to make it mandatory for all Kannada film producers to bear the food cost of the light boys treating them on par with the employees of the production house.{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp6wx7U6ydI&feature=youtu.be |title='ಇಂದ್ರಜಿತ್ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಬರೀಷ್ ನನ್ ಜೀವ ಉಳಿಸಿದ್ರು'-ಜೆ.ಜಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣ (ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಸ್ಟೋರಿ)-JG Krishna Life-Ep2 - YouTube |website=M.youtube.com |date=30 July 2020 |access-date=8 February 2021}} Director Dinakar Thoogudeepa had revealed that their Mysore home was named "Mu.Pa.Krupa" after Rajkumar ("Muthuraj - Parvathamma") in order to honour their help and guidance given to his parents.{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHq6X0tpd0 | title=ಅಪ್ಪ ಹೋದ್ಮೇಲೆ ಊಟಕ್ಕೂ ದುಡ್ಡಿರ್ತಿರ್ಲಿಲ್ಲ : Darshan | Dinakar Press meet | Royal | Virat | Royal | website=YouTube | date=28 December 2024 }}

In 2001, he started Shaktidhaama - a rehabilitation home for 800 destitute women who were rescued from prostitution.{{Cite web|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/rajkumar-and-parvathamma-rajkumar-started-shakthidhama-for-women/articleshow/74338808.cms?story=2|title=ವೇಶ್ಯಾವೃತ್ತಿಗೆ ಬಲವಂತವಾಗಿ ನೂಕಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಹೆಂಗಸರು, ಶೋಷಿತ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಗೆ ಸೂರು ಒದಗಿಸಿದ್ದ ಡಾ.ರಾಜ್‌ ಕುಮಾರ್ ದಂಪತಿ|website=Vijaykarnataka.com|access-date=17 May 2021|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517103845/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/rajkumar-and-parvathamma-rajkumar-started-shakthidhama-for-women/articleshow/74338808.cms?story=2|url-status=live}} He endorsed Karnataka Milk Federation's Nandini brand of milk for free.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-kannada-film-legend-dr-rajkumar-and-his-family-steered-clear-politics-157177?amp|title=Why Kannada film legend Dr Rajkumar and his family steered clear of politics|website=Thenewsminute.com|date=2 November 2021|access-date=31 January 2022|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131160931/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-kannada-film-legend-dr-rajkumar-and-his-family-steered-clear-politics-157177?amp|url-status=live}}

A touching testimonial to his commitment to lead by example was that he had pledged his eyes in 1994 at the time of inauguration of Dr. Rajkumar Eye Bank and he rightly did so after his death in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.narayananethralaya.org/eye-bank/|title=Eye Donation Bangalore India | Eye Bank Bangalore|website=Narayananethralaya.org|date=14 September 2020|access-date=27 July 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727051913/https://www.narayananethralaya.org/eye-bank/|url-status=live}} His act of eye donation was likened to the role in his debut movie Bedara Kannappa where he plucks his eyes in the climax to replace the bleeding eyes of the Shivalinga.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/14raj.htm|title=They will see through Rajkumar's eyes|website=Rediff.com|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008174851/https://www.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/14raj.htm|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Gokak agitation}}

Although Rajkumar rejected numerous offers{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/how-fernandes-ran-a-high-voltage-campaign-for-chikkamagaluru-bypoll/articleshow/67745513.cms|title=How Fernandes ran a high-voltage campaign for Chikkamagaluru bypoll|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=17 February 2019|archive-date=17 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217201055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/how-fernandes-ran-a-high-voltage-campaign-for-chikkamagaluru-bypoll/articleshow/67745513.cms|url-status=live}} to don the political mantle, he was able to influence the State's political fortunes without ever being officially involved in politics. Despite his apolitical outlook, he was able to protect and espouse the cause of Kannada and Karnataka. He continually advocated the cause of seeking primacy for Kannada,{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/kannada-actor-rajkumar-honoured_227730.html|title=Kannada actor Rajkumar honoured|date=10 July 2005|website=Zee News|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629090831/https://zeenews.india.com/home/kannada-actor-rajkumar-honoured_227730.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-undisputed-cult-figure-in-karnataka/377342|title=Rajkumar: Undisputed cult figure in Karnataka|website=outlookindia.com/|date=2 August 2022|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627052420/https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/amp/rajkumar-undisputed-cult-figure-in-karnataka/377342|url-status=live}} was asked to lead a movement to make Kannada a compulsory language for primary education based on the "Gokak report", popularly known as Gokak Varadhi. He became actively involved in the movement and soon became the force behind the Gokak movement. He led rallies from Belagavi to Bengaluru and gave speeches about the importance of Kannada Gokak agitation. Millions of people gathered for the opportunity to have a glimpse of Rajkumar and listen to his speeches. The power of this movement caused the government to relent and make Kannada a compulsory language of education in Karnataka.

{{Main|Dr. Rajkumar filmography}}

Rajkumar was awarded numerous State, National and International awards. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan; a honorary doctorate from Mysore University and also the Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the State of Karnataka.{{cite news |title=Siddaganga seer receives Karnataka Ratna |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Siddaganga-seer-receives-Karnataka-Ratna/article14743521.ece |work=The Hindu |date=2 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629105938/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Siddaganga-seer-receives-Karnataka-Ratna/article14743521.ece |archive-date=29 June 2018 |language=en-IN}}

In 1985, he was honoured with the Kentucky Colonel award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/article/10-interesting-records-of-dr-rajkumar-that-are-not-easy-to-break/759974|title=Dr Rajkumar facts | 10 interesting records of Dr Rajkumar that are not easy to break|website=Timesnownews.com|date=21 May 2021 |access-date=7 October 2021|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007172007/https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/entertainment-news/kannada/article/10-interesting-records-of-dr-rajkumar-that-are-not-easy-to-break/759974|url-status=live}}

In 1995, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contributions to the Kannada film industry.{{cite news|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/Apr122006/update103482006412.asp|title=Nata Saarvabhouma Dr Rajkumar no more|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=12 April 2006|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017012701/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/Apr122006/update103482006412.asp|archive-date=17 October 2013}}

In 2011, during the 83rd birth anniversary of Rajkumar, the Chief Minister of Karnataka announced that the state government recommended that he be awarded a Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, for his outstanding contributions to the film industry.[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/156381/state-recommend-raj-bharat-ratna.html State to recommend Raj for Bharat Ratna] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429112558/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/156381/state-recommend-raj-bharat-ratna.html |date=29 April 2011 }}. Deccan Herald (25 April 2011). He was reported to be the first actor whose first movie won the National Award for Best Picture ( Certificate of Merit).{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/88th-birthday-rajkumar-kannada-actor-google-doodle-973313-2017-04-24|title=All about the box office legend R Rajkumar, who is celebrating his 88th birthday|website=India Today|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626060005/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/fyi/story/88th-birthday-rajkumar-kannada-actor-google-doodle-973313-2017-04-24|url-status=live}} He was also the first actor to complete 100 movies in the lead role in Kannada.

• Kentucky Colonel, an honorary order from the governor of Kentucky, United States in 1985 {{cite web | title = commission of Kentucky Colonel | url = https://www.kycolonels.org/who-we-are/famous-colonels/ | website = commission of Kentucky Colonel | access-date = 24 April 2018 | archive-date = 22 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180622060250/https://www.kycolonels.org/who-we-are/famous-colonels/ | url-status = live }} – the only Indian actor to receive the award.{{cite web|url=https://arusticmind.com/2019/03/08/dr-rajkumar/|title=Dr. Rajkumar: The First Global Star From Kannada Industry|date=8 March 2019|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127231757/https://arusticmind.com/2019/03/08/dr-rajkumar/|url-status=live}}
• The British daily newspaper The Guardian praised him for his subtle acting and described him as a humble, modest being who was a symbol of Kannada consciousness.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/apr/18/guardianobituaries.film|title=Rajkumar|website=The Guardian|date=17 April 2006 |access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629045825/https://amp.theguardian.com/news/2006/apr/18/guardianobituaries.film|url-status=live}}
• The New York-based American newspaper The New York Times described him as "an epitome of good character not just in movies but also in real life".{{cite news|last=Rai|first=Saritha|date=13 April 2006|title=Rajkumar, Beloved Indian Film Star, Dies at 77|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/movies/rajkumar-beloved-indian-film-star-dies-at-77.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626154202/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/13/movies/rajkumar-beloved-indian-film-star-dies-at-77.html|url-status=live}}
• The California-based daily newspaper East Bay Times praised him for never having smoked cigarettes on screen and never playing a drunkard after his early days.{{cite web|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/04/12/indian-actor-raj-kumar-dies-fans-riot/|title=Indian Actor Raj Kumar Dies, Fans Riot|website=Eastbaytimes.com|date=12 April 2006|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628051545/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/04/12/indian-actor-raj-kumar-dies-fans-riot/|url-status=live}}
• ABC News - the news division of Walt Disney Television – acknowledged him as one of the greatest actors of his time and called him The Gentle Giant of Karnataka.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=83002&page=1|title=India's Top Bandit Kidnaps Top Movie Star|website=ABC News|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702104220/https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=83002&page=1|url-status=live}}
• The Rome-headquartered global news agency Inter Press Service(IPS) observed that Rajkumar epitomised the breaking away of the Kannada cinema from the older Tamil cinema which then had an overarching influence in the southern India.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/2000/08/india-legendary-bandit-kicks-up-political-storm/|title=India: Legendary Bandit Kicks up Political Storm|website=Ipsnews.net|date=4 August 2000|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630162529/http://www.ipsnews.net/2000/08/india-legendary-bandit-kicks-up-political-storm/|url-status=live}}
• The American daily The Washington Post called him "one of the region's best-loved figures who had millions of fiercely devoted fans".{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/04/13/raj-kumar/cfa37202-c9d5-4177-9ed0-9a870d746e4f/ | title=Raj Kumar; South Indian Movie Star | newspaper=The Washington Post}}
• The Washington, D.C.–based American media organisation NPR called him "a role model, community leader and an aesthete".{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5339874|title=Actor's Death Prompts Rioting in India|website=Npr.org|publisher=NPR|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630012819/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5339874|url-status=live}}
• The Irish daily newspaper The Irish Times called him a veteran matinee idol and a cultural icon beloved by all.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/the-film-star-and-the-bandit-1.302382?mode=amp|title=The film star and the bandit|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630092759/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/the-film-star-and-the-bandit-1.302382?mode=amp|url-status=live}}
• The Dubai based English daily newspaper Gulf News called him "a polite man, a philanthropist, who led a simple life".{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/indians-remember-big-brother-rajkumar-1.232924|title=Indians remember 'big brother' Rajkumar|website=Gulfnews.com|date=14 April 2006|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703085914/https://gulfnews.com/uae/indians-remember-big-brother-rajkumar-1.232924|url-status=live}}
• The British broadcaster BBC called him an Indian film legend who was one of the best-loved figures in southern India.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4902668.stm|title=Indian actor Rajkumar dies at 77|date=12 April 2006|publisher=BBC|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629235713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4902668.stm|url-status=live}}
• The U.S. based multimedia agency Voice of America (VOA) called him one of southern India's most famous actors known for never smoking cigarettes or playing a drunkard on-screen.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/archive/indian-actor-raj-kumar-dies-heart-attack-77|title=Indian Actor Raj Kumar Dies of Heart Attack at 77|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630231905/https://www.voanews.com/archive/indian-actor-raj-kumar-dies-heart-attack-77|url-status=dead}}
• WarnerMedia owned CNN recognised him as one of southern India's most famous film stars.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2000/ASIANOW/south/07/31/india.kidnapping.reut/index.html|title=Notorious Indian bandit kidnaps film star Rajkumar|date=31 July 2000|publisher=CNN|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630071540/http://edition.cnn.com/2000/ASIANOW/south/07/31/india.kidnapping.reut/index.html|url-status=live}}
• The British news publisher The Independent called him one of India's best-loved actors and the biggest star the Kannada film industry has ever produced.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/chaos-in-bangalore-as-fans-mourn-film-star-rajkumar-6103757.html|title=Chaos in Bangalore as fans mourn film star Rajkumar|date=14 April 2006|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628082733/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/chaos-in-bangalore-as-fans-mourn-film-star-rajkumar-6103757.html|url-status=live}}
• The San Jose based The Mercury News lauded his unparalleled contribution to Kannada and Kannada film fraternity.{{cite web | url=http://www.viggy.com/english/current_rajkumar_demise_US_publications.asp | title=US Media lauded Dr. Rajkumar as India's most beloved stars }}
• A biographical book on Rajkumar compiled by Puneeth Rajkumar titled Dr. Rajkumar:The Person Behind The Personality was officially handed over to British Library, London.{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/book-on-dr-rajkumar-presented-to-british-library/1169867/|title=Book on Dr Rajkumar presented to British Library - Indian Express|website=Archive.indianexpress.com|access-date=8 October 2020|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012090419/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/book-on-dr-rajkumar-presented-to-british-library/1169867/|url-status=live}}

• 1983 – Padma Bhushan
• 1992 – Best Male Playback Singer for the song Naadamaya Ee Lokavella from the movie Jeevana Chaitra – Only Indian actor to receive it for singing.
• 1995 – Dadasaheb Phalke Award – First person to receive it for his work in Kannada movies.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/signposts/story/19960831-raj-kumar-receives-1995-dada-saheb-phalke-award-833816-1996-08-30 | title=Raj Kumar receives 1995 Dada Saheb Phalke Award | date=31 August 1996 }}
• 2002 – NTR National Award{{cite web | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-variety/article1667959.ece?ref=archive | title = Ilayaraja, Ambarish, Krishna get NTR award | publisher = The Hindu, Business Line | location = Hyderabad | date = 30 August 2007 | access-date = 4 January 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914064506/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-variety/article1667959.ece?ref=archive|archive-date=14 September 2012}} – First Kannada actor to receive it.
• On 1 November 2009, postal stamp bearing the actor's likeness was issued by the Central Government of India{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2009/Nov/02/a-stamp-on-movie-icon-raj-kumar-100458.html|title=A stamp on movie icon Raj Kumar - The New Indian Express|website=Newindianexpress.com|date=5 May 2012 |access-date=5 November 2020|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425132536/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2009/nov/02/a-stamp-on-movie-icon-raj-kumar-100458.amp|url-status=live}} – First Kannada actor to receive that honour.{{cite web|url=https://www.istampgallery.com/dr-rajkumar/|title=Dr. Rajkumar|date=3 June 2016|website=Istampgallery.com|access-date=24 October 2020|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053542/https://www.istampgallery.com/dr-rajkumar/|url-status=live}}
• In April 2013, Forbes India had included Rajkumar's performance in Bangarada Manushya in its list of 25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema on the eve of the centenary celebrations of Indian cinema.{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/photos/entertainment/rajkumars-88th-birth-anniversary-remembering-rajaana-with-6-of-his-career-best-movies-98681/rajkumar-in-bangaarada-manushya-98690/|title=Rajkumar in Bangaarada Manushya|website=india.com|access-date=21 July 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628044757/https://www.india.com/photos/entertainment/rajkumars-88th-birth-anniversary-remembering-rajaana-with-6-of-his-career-best-movies-98681/rajkumar-in-bangaarada-manushya-98690/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sandalwood/130116/a-golden-era-unfolds.html|title=A golden era unfolds|website=The Deccan Chronicle|date=13 January 2016 |access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629230844/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/sandalwood/130116/a-golden-era-unfolds.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://doodles.google/doodle/rajkumars-88th-birthday/|title=Rajkumar's 88th Birthday|website=Google.com|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424142839/https://www.google.com/doodles/rajkumars-88th-birthday|url-status=live}}
• Dr. Rajkumar Samagra Charithre – a two-volume book by film critic D.Rukkoji on the life and achievements of Rajkumar won the Swarna Kamal Award at the 63rd National Film Awards under the National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema category.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/rajkumars-biography-wins-swarna-kamal/article8407164.ece|title=Rajkumar's biography wins Swarna Kamal|newspaper=The Hindu|date=29 March 2016|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214235253/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/rajkumars-biography-wins-swarna-kamal/article8407164.ece|url-status=live}}
• In 2016, the Maharashtra State Government had prescribed the biography of the actor for its class VIII students detailing his achievements and contributions to the Kannada culture{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/rajkumar-textbooks|title=Legendary actor Rajkumar in Marathi textbooks. Peace offering?|website=newsable.asianetnews.com|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629013226/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/south/rajkumar-textbooks|url-status=live}} under the title Natasarvabhouma.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/lesson-on-rajkumar-in-maharashtra-government-kannada-textbook/article6630161.ece|title=Lesson on Rajkumar in Maharashtra government Kannada textbook|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=The Hindu|date=24 November 2014|access-date=24 October 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030142708/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/lesson-on-rajkumar-in-maharashtra-government-kannada-textbook/article6630161.ece|url-status=live}}
• On 24 April 2017, Google India dedicated a Google Doodle in his honour.{{cite web | title = Google honours veteran Kannada actor Rajkumar with a doodle on his 88th birth anniversary | url = http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/google-doodle-honours-rajkumar-kannada-actor-88-birthday-4625455/ | website = The Indian Express | date = 24 April 2017 | access-date = 23 April 2017 | archive-date = 24 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170424174214/http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/google-doodle-honours-rajkumar-kannada-actor-88-birthday-4625455/ | url-status = live }} – Second Indian actor to receive that honour.

• Honoured with the title: Nata Saarvabhouma in 1967 from the Government of Karnataka.{{cite web|title=Govt of Karnataka Organizes 88th Birthday Anniversary of Karnataka Ratna Dr. Rajkumar {{!}} #HappyBirthdayDrRaj|url=http://www.filmibee.in/2016/04/govt-of-karnataka-organizes-88th.html|website=Filmibee.in}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Rajyotsava Prashasti in 1973.{{Cite web |url=https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State%20Awards/Rajyotsava+Awards/en |title=Karnataka Government |access-date=10 December 2023 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211171532/https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State%20Awards/Rajyotsava+Awards/en |url-status=live }}
• An honorary doctorate from the Mysore University in 1976.
• Karnataka Ratna in 1992 – First recipient of the award along with Kuvempu.{{cite web |url=https://karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State+Awards/Karnataka+Ratna/en |title=Karnataka Government |publisher=Karnataka.gov.in |date= |access-date=8 February 2021 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026132008/https://karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State+Awards/Karnataka+Ratna/en |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-dr-rajkumar-is-the-only-actor-to-have-won-the-very-prestigious-karnataka-ratna-award/articleshow/82026517.cms | title=Did you know? Dr. Rajkumar is the only actor to have won the very prestigious Karnataka Ratna award | newspaper=The Times of India | date=12 April 2021 | access-date=12 December 2023 | archive-date=1 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001090356/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-dr-rajkumar-is-the-only-actor-to-have-won-the-very-prestigious-karnataka-ratna-award/articleshow/82026517.cms | url-status=live }}
• The State Government established Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1993–94 to be given for lifetime achievement towards contributions to Kannada cinema - making him the first Indian actor in whose name a State Government established an award while he was still alive.
• A {{convert|6|km|adj=on}} road was named Dr. Rajkumar Road{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120928091055/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-22/hubli/29462936_1_hdmc-vedike-resolution HDMC did volte-face on renaming road: Vedike]}}, The Times of India, 22 April 2011. on 27 January 1994.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.rocks/threads/dr-rajkumar-annavru-karnataka-ratna-kentucky-colonel-padma-bhushan-nata-saarvabhouma.4293/|title=Dr. Rajkumar - Annavru, Karnataka Ratna, Kentucky Colonel, Padma Bhushan, Nata Saarvabhouma|website=Shivu aDDa Forum - Kannada Movie Discussion|access-date=4 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021095246/https://www.sandalwoodking.rocks/threads/dr-rajkumar-annavru-karnataka-ratna-kentucky-colonel-padma-bhushan-nata-saarvabhouma.4293/|url-status=usurped}} The road stretches from the government soap factory and World Trade Center (Orion mall) in Yeshwanthpur to Prasanna theatre, Magadi road in Bangalore.
• The Nadoja Award, an honorary doctorate from Hampi University in 1999.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120405020803/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/BC1181F29BD700076525694000605908 No insult to Rajkumar, says CM]}}. The Times of India. 9 January 1999
• He was felicitated by the Karnataka State Government on completion of 50 years in the Kannada film industry for his rich contributions to the celluloid world.
• In 2010, the Karnataka State Government had announced to build a film city in memory of Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan based on the model of Ramoji Film City.{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2010/govt-build-vishnu-film-city-020110.html|title=Karnataka Govt to build Dr Vishnuvardhan film city|first=Shekhar H.|last=Hooli|date=2 January 2010|website=Filmibeat.com|access-date=12 October 2020|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018011646/https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2010/govt-build-vishnu-film-city-020110.html|url-status=live}}
• The 11.5 km road connecting Nayandahalli Junction and Tumkur Road titled as Dr.Rajkumar Punyabhoomi Raste where it passes through (Kanteerava studio) Raj's Monument.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/hundreds-pay-tribute-to-rajkumar/article7096683.ece|title=Hundreds pay tribute to Rajkumar|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|date=13 April 2015|work=The Hindu|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702152429/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/hundreds-pay-tribute-to-rajkumar/article7096683.ece|url-status=live}}
• In 2017, the Karnataka State Government had prescribed his biography and contributions to Kannada cinema for its Class V students and a mention of his contributions to Kannada culture for its Class VI students.{{cite web|url=https://www.newskarnataka.com/bangalore/dr-rajkumars-life-in-now-a-lesson-in-karnataka|title=Dr. Rajkumar's life is now a lesson in Karnataka|website=NewsKarnataka|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627065508/https://www.newskarnataka.com/bangalore/dr-rajkumars-life-in-now-a-lesson-in-karnataka|url-status=live}}
• A garden depicting sequences from his movies through sculptures had been established at Gotagodi, Haveri.{{cite web|url=https://fr.tripadvisor.be/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g17547335-d5542380-i415422497-Utsav_Rock_Garden-Gotagodi_Haveri_District_Karnataka.html|title=Dr. Rajkumar Circle The moment you enter the garden you will be thrilled by the sculptures of Kannada film icon Dr. Rajkumar. The great person and legendary soul of Karnataka Dr. Rajkumar whose different filmy scenes are depicted through sculptures on high land which gives festive pleasure to you. - Photo de Utsav Rock Garden, Gotagodi - Tripadvisor|website=fr.tripadvisor.be|access-date=8 February 2021|archive-date=25 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125053419/https://fr.tripadvisor.be/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g1154299-d5542380-i415422497-Utsav_Rock_Garden-Hubli_Dharwad_Dharwad_District_Karnataka.html|url-status=live}}
• In August 2022, on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, flower show themed on the life journey of Rajkumar and his son Puneeth Rajkumar was conducted at Lal Bagh as a tribute to them{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/lalbagh-flower-show-from-aug-5-themed-after-dr-rajkumar-and-son-puneeth-101659599755312.html | title=Lalbagh flower show from Aug 5 themed after Dr Rajkumar and son Puneeth | date=4 August 2022 | access-date=20 August 2022 | archive-date=20 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820154019/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/lalbagh-flower-show-from-aug-5-themed-after-dr-rajkumar-and-son-puneeth-101659599755312-amp.html | url-status=live }} which included the bust of the actor along with 205 portraits of his films.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/puneeth-rajkumar-remembered-at-lalbagh-flower-show/articleshow/93502356.cms | title=Puneeth Rajkumar remembered at Lalbagh Flower Show | newspaper=The Times of India | date=12 August 2022 | access-date=20 August 2022 | archive-date=6 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106060319/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/puneeth-rajkumar-remembered-at-lalbagh-flower-show/articleshow/93502356.cms | url-status=live }}

Rajkumar holds the record of winning eight South Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category in Kannada cinema.[https://archive.org/download/41stAnnualFilmfareBestTeluguFilmKannadaActorActressDirector_201805/41st%20annual%20filmfare%20best%20telugu%20film%20kannada%20actor%20actress%20director.jpg Rajkumar (Best Actor Akasmika)]. 41st Annual Filmfare Awards

Below is the list of films for which he received the Best Actor awards:

1. Gandhada Gudi in 1973{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/21st-annual-filmfare-awards-south-winners | title=21st Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners | date=6 August 2024 }}{{cite web | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=nw62AAAAIAAJ&q=Raj+kumar+Gandhada+Gudi | title = The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who | first = Sir Stanley | last = Reed | date = 8 August 1974 | publisher = Times of India Press | via = Google Books}}{{cite web | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=1973+++Gandhada+Gudi | title = Collections | date = 8 August 1991 | publisher = Update Video Publication | via = Google Books}}
2. Mayura in 1975{{cite web | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=o4biAAAAMAAJ&q=Raj-Kumar+Mayura | title = The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who | date = 8 August 1983 | via = Google Books | access-date = 4 October 2020 | archive-date = 25 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240125054434/https://books.google.com/books?id=o4biAAAAMAAJ&q=Raj-Kumar+Mayura | url-status = live }}
3. Shankar Guru in 1978{{cite web | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=1978++Raj+Kumar+Shankar+Guru | title = Collections | date = 8 August 1991 | publisher = Update Video Publication | via = Google Books | access-date = 21 July 2020 | archive-date = 25 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240125054435/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=1978++Raj+Kumar+Shankar+Guru | url-status = live }}
4. Keralida Simha in 1981{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/29th-annual-filmfare-awards-south-winners | title=29th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners | date=19 July 2024 }}{{cite web | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=o4biAAAAMAAJ&q=+Simha+Ranganayaki+ | title = The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who | date = 8 August 1983 | via = Google Books | access-date = 4 October 2020 | archive-date = 25 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240125054435/https://books.google.com/books?id=o4biAAAAMAAJ&q=+Simha+Ranganayaki+ | url-status = live }}
5. Shravana Banthu – 1984
6. Ade Kannu – 1985 {{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/33rd-annual-filmfare-awards-south | title=33rd Annual Filmfare Awards South | date=17 November 2023 }}
7. Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma – 1986{{cite web | url = http://archive.org/details/34thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners | archive-url = https://archive.today/20170528093416/https://archive.org/details/34thAnnualFilmfareAwardsSouthWinners|url-status=dead | title = 34th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners | date = 28 May 2017 | via = Internet Archive|archive-date=28 May 2017}}
8. Aakasmika in 1993{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/download/41stAnnualFilmfareBestTeluguFilmKannadaActorActressDirector/41st%20annual%20filmfare%20best%20telugu%20film%20kannada%20actor%20actress%20director.jpg |title=Listing |website= archive.org|access-date=26 June 2020}}

Total of 8 Filmfare awards in the Best Actor category.

• Rajkumar has won 11 Karnataka State Film Awards (9 for best actor, 2 for best singer)

;Best Actor:

• 1967–1968 – Bangaarada Hoovu
• 1970–1971 – Kula Gourava
• 1974–1975 – Bhakta Kumbara
• 1976–1977 – Babruvaahana
• 1981–1982 – Hosa Belaku
• 1982–1983 – Haalu Jenu
• 1988–1989 – Devatha Manushya
• 1992–1993 – Jeevana Chaitra
• 1993–1994 – Odahuttidavaru

;Best Singer:

• 1993–1994 – Aakasmika – "Huttidare Kannada"
• 1994–1995 – Thayi Illada Thavaru – "Arishina Kumkuma"

• In 2013, a bronze statue of Rajkumar was placed in the replica of Hampi stone chariot at Kurubarahalli Circle in Nandini Layout.{{cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/Jan/02/annavru-rajkumar-comes-alive-on-hampi-chariot-439191.html | title=Annavru Rajkumar comes alive on Hampi chariot | date=4 January 2013 }}
• Vishwa Maanava named by Kannada poet Kuvempu
• ETV Kannadiga of the Year Award in 2003
• In 2020, on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava,{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-gold-and-silver-coins-to-be-out-on-karnataka-rajyotsava/articleshow/78620946.cms|title=Dr Rajkumar gold and silver coins to be out on Karnataka Rajyotsava|website=The Times of India|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022194535/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/dr-rajkumar-gold-and-silver-coins-to-be-out-on-karnataka-rajyotsava/articleshow/78620946.cms|url-status=live}} gold and silver coins engraved with his face on one side and the Karnataka State symbol Gandaberunda engraved on the other side were released in his memory.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/gold-silver-coins-to-honour-dr-raj-903014.html|title=Gold, silver coins to honour Dr Raj|date=17 October 2020|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=22 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112102/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/gold-silver-coins-to-honour-dr-raj-903014.html|url-status=live}}

In July 2005, the government of Karnataka captioned by N. Dharam Singh, the Chief Minister of Karnataka conducted a felicitation ceremony for honouring Rajkumar for his (50 years of) service to Karnataka at Bangalore Palace named Sarthaka Suvarna (Significant Gold). This ceremony was attended by the entire Kannada film industry marking respect and tribute to the legend, and could be called an official celebration of Golden Jubilee of Rajkumar's works and services to the Kannada film industry.{{cite web | author = Awards | url = http://www.chitraloka.com/awards/3040-sarthaka-suvarna-honor-to-rajkumar.html | title = Sarthaka Suvarna – Honor To Rajkumar | website = Chitraloka.com | access-date = 30 October 2013 | archive-date = 29 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191956/http://www.chitraloka.com/awards/3040-sarthaka-suvarna-honor-to-rajkumar.html | url-status = live }} A Biography on Rajkumar, written by A.N.Prahlada Rao, was released on the occasion.{{cite news | url = https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/Book-on-Rajkumar-to-be-released-in-New-Jersey/article15214959.ece | title = Book on Rajkumar to be released in New Jersey | date = 2 May 2008 | work = The Hindu |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230910114338/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/Book-on-Rajkumar-to-be-released-in-New-Jersey/article15214959.ece|archive-date=10 September 2023}}

• List of kidnappings
• Kannada cinema

{{NoteFoot}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• {{IMDb name|0004660}}
• [http://specials.rediff.com/movies/rajkumar.htm Farewell, Dr Rajkumar] Rediff.com

{{Dadasaheb Phalke Award}}{{NTR National Award}}{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 1980–89}}

{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}

{{FilmfareKannadaBestActor}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rajkumar, Dr.}}

Category:1929 births

Category:2000s missing person cases

Category:2006 deaths

Category:20th-century Indian male actors

Category:20th-century Indian singers

Category:20th-century Indian male singers

Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners

Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

Category:Formerly missing Indian people

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Indian male playback singers

Category:Kannada male actors

Category:Kannada playback singers

Category:Kidnapped Indian people

Category:Kidnappings in India

Category:Kidnapping in the 2000s

Category:Male actors from Bengaluru

Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema

Category:Missing person cases in India

Category:People from Erode district

Category:Recipients of the Karnataka Ratna

Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts

Category:Singers from Bengaluru

Category:Rajkumar family