Dr. Rajkumar, the Kannada thespian, was known for more than just his acting skills. He was also a gifted singer, a generous philanthropist, and is often quoted as the last film star who spoke Kannada in its purest and most lucid form. He led a life simple in thought and deed, and was the epitome of humility. 

At Rambling with Bellur, Krishna Rao recalls with great fondness, his meeting with Dr. Raj. 

As I stood near the gate, a pack of dogs barked menacingly from the inside. Just as I begun to turn away a white car pulled up. The rear seat window rolled down and a friendly face smiled and inquired. It was the superstar himself! When I told him that I had come from Bangalore to see him, he got down from the car, signaled the maid to take the dogs away and invited me inside. It was a humid evening and Dr. Rajkumar looked visibly tired, perhaps after a long day of work.

He asked me to take a seat along with him in the verandah. He seemed completely at ease and relaxed as he asked me about school, hobbies, interests etc. as we sipped coffee. He then asked me if I would like to meet his family for which I readily agreed. He took me upstairs and introduced me to his mother, a petite elderly woman who stood with folded hands. At once, I understood where he got his humility. I noticed a number of children in the household and asked him who they were. He explained that they lived as a joint family and some of them were his nephews and nieces.

Today is Dr. Raj’s 79th birth anniversary.