18 April 2006

CHENNAI: Members of the South India Film Chamber of Commerce paid tributes to Rajkumar, doyen of the Kannada film industry.

 At a condolence meeting, organised by the Chamber, film Star Rajnikanth led the film fraternity in paying tributes, saying Rajkumar's death was an irreparable loss to the film industry. The Indian film industry would not see another Rajkumar, who was called "MGR of Kannada". Mr. Rajnikanth said Rajkumar would also be remembered for winning the hearts of the masses, especially the Kannadigas, without entering politics. "His qualities need to be emulated by every citizen, who has a mass following." A.V.M. Saravanan, film producer, spoke how his father had sold his Bangalore bungalow to Mr. Rajkumar and traced his association with him and his family. Muktha V. Srinivasan, producer, said he was known for simplicity and self-contentment. Manorama, actress, Ilayaraja, music director, and P.B. Sreenivas, playback singers, spoke about the humanness of Rajkumar. K.P. Acharya of Karnataka Association, Vijayan, president, Film Employees Federation of South India, dance master Raghuram and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan said Rajkumar was not only an actor par excellence but a lovable person.

Kothandaramiah, Ravi Kottarakara, Malayalam film producer, R.N. Jayagopal, writer and director, and K.C. Chandrasekhar, president of the Chamber, spoke.