Dr. Rajkumar (Real name: Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Mutturaju) (April 24, 1928 – April 12, 2006) was one of the most popular actors of movies made in Kannada the language of Karnataka, a southern state of India. "Dr.Raj" or "Annavru" (big brother) to millions of his fans. He acted in more than 200 movies over 50 years in Kannada. Some of his popular films include Bangaaradha Manushya (The Golden Man), Kasturi Nivasa, Gandhadha Gudi and Jeevana Chaitra. He was also a well-known singer as a playback singer as well as devotional songs.

He was born in Gajanur, near Mysore, now in Karnataka, India. Rajkumar received numerous state, national and international awards. He received an honorary doctorate from Mysore University. He won 10 Filmfare awards for the best actor category which happens to be the second highest in the history of Indian films. He won 9 state awards in the best actor category. He also won a National award in best singer category. He received the Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995, in recognition of his contributions to the Kannada film industry. His fans have conferred him the title "Nata Saarvabhowma" (The Emperor of Acting).

Dr Rajkumar was a role model to millions of Kannadigas. He never smoked a cigar/cigarette or acted as drunkard in any of his movies (excepting a few in the initial days of his film career). In real life too, he was a non-smoker and non-alcoholic and maintained a very high standard of living, performing daily Yoga-Asanas [see Yoga] and following a strict diet. Though he had numerous chances to try his hands in Indian politics owing to his mass following, he shied away from active politics focussing his energy towards art and cinema.

He passed away on April 12, 2006(13.45 IST) following a cardiac arrest on Wednesday afternoon in M S Ramaiah hospital, Bangalore. The city virtually came to a halt as the news spread about the death. The news of his death precipitated a city-wide reaction comparable to the time he was kidnapped by Veerappan.

Following his death, April 13 was declared a state-wide holiday, in order to mourn the thespian's passing. His last movie was "Shabdhavedi" and he was believed to have been willing to act again as 'Bhakta Ambareesha'.

Source: "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"