Stars bring Annavru alive again

Their memories went back decades, and as they recounted their sepia-tinted experiences, a young, dashing Rajkumar came alive. Film icons recalled the thespian's life and contribution to Kannada movies, language and literature at the inauguration of the Dr Rajkumar Memorial at his samadhi in Kanteerava Studios here on Saturday .
Rajinikanth, speaking in Kannada, created his own tale about the star: that Brahma floated a hani (raindrop) in a cloud.“The cloud went around the state and everyone was eager to know where that raindrop would fall. It fell in Gajanur in Karnataka and became famous as Rajkumar.“
The top Tamil star said, “In 1954, Rajkumar's acting journey began like that of a galloping horse, through the movie Bedara Kannappa.Characters like Purandaradasa, Kanadadasa, BhakthaKumbhara, Ravana, Mahishashura, HiranyaKashapu and even James Bond have taken a ride on that stallion. There can be no comparison to that stallion, who didn't stop till 2006, when its journey ended.“
Indirectly referring to Rajkumar's kidnapping, the ac tor said, “Even vanadevathe (forest deity) liked this man and wanted him to stay there for 108 days.“
Recalling his days in Gavipuram in Bengaluru, Ra jinikanth said, “When I was 11, I met Rajkumar in KempampudhiKere where he had come for a shooting. I took his autograph and then on, I haven't ever taken an auto graph from anyone.'' He was once travelling with Rajkumar in his car, and met with a minor accident. “Auto drivers, bus drivers, conductors, groundnut sellers and people stopped, just to greet him with a namaskara. I told him people revered him, and he replied: `That respect is not for me.It's for the Saraswathi in me. They are respecting that KalaDevi and not me'.'' Thunderous applause broke out when Rajini predicted the Dr Rajkumar memorial would one day become a temple. “The temple will see many miracles in future. Visit the samadhi silently. Rajkumar will bless one and all.''
Actor Chiranjeevi narrated incidents that brought his and Rajkumar's family close. “When I was a student of a film institute where Rajinikanth was my senior, we went to meet Rajkumar who was shooting for a movie. When we introduced ourselves as film institute students, he stood up and asked: `Chennagiddira (How are you)?' I replied: “Thumbachennagiddeve (We are very well)'. That humility in Ra jkumar made him a great source of in spiration for people like me.'' W h i l e RaghavendraRajkumar described the occasion as “RajkumarHabba“, Union law and parliamentary affairs minister DV SadanandaGowda said KannadaRajyothsava was being celebrated. Actor B Sarojadevi recalled her acting days with Rajkumar.
Siddu donates eyes
CM Siddaramaiah announced amid cheers from the audience that he would pledge his eyes. Recalling how Rajkumar would always say `Nammakaadinavaru (he is from my village)' whenever he met him, the CM said he would follow in the footsteps of the thespian and donate his eyes. Rajkumar (Gajanur) and Siddaramaiah (SiddaramayyanaHundi) are from Chamarajanagar.
Fan disappointed
Surya, a young fan of Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi, had come all the way from KR Puram with two shawls to honour the duo. He pleaded with police to permit him to present the shawls but was asked to keep quiet. He then made his way to the press gallery, seeking the media's help: “Yenaadarumaadi, sir (Please do something, sir).“ But his dream went unfulfilled.