Kuwait: Magic of Dr Rajkumar Comes Alive at KKK Rajyotsava Celebrations
Report & Pics: Wilson & Priya Saldanha, Shirthady/Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Nov 10: 'Karnataka Rajyotsava- 2012', the annual event of Kannada Koota Kuwait (KKK), a premier cultural association in its 28th year of existence, was held under the presidentship of Dr Surendra Nayak on Friday November 9 at Istiklal ballroom, Hotel Ramada, Kuwait. Eminent personality Padma Vibushan N R Narayana Murthy, founder and chairman emeritus, Infosys Ltd, was the chief guest.
The theme of the programme was 'Dr Raj Vaibhava' a tribute for Kannada’s superstar of yesteryears the late Dr Rajkumar. The entire entertainment programme was based on Dr Rajkumar’s movies, songs, acting and co-stars.
Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006), known mononymously by his screen name Rajkumar was a popular actor and singer in the Kannada film industry. He is considered a cultural icon of Kannada, where he is also known as Rajanna, Natasarvabhouma (emperor of acting), Gaana Gandharva (singer in the court of Gods), and as Annavru (beloved elder brother). Rajkumar entered the film industry at the age of eight and got his first break as a lead in the 1954-film Bedara Kannappa and went on to work in over 206 films.
In his film career, Rajkumar received nine Karnataka State Film Awards, ten South Filmfare Awards, two National Film Awards and a National Film Award for Best Playback Singer. He received in 2002 the NTR National Award. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Mysore, and is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Bhagyada Bagilu was his 100th movie Devatha Manushya was his 200th movie and Shabdavedhi was his 206th and last film.
The programme started with invocation choreographed by Karnataka Kalashree Guru Rangashree. Chilren of KKK members danced to the tune of Dr Raj movie songs such as ‘Thi Thai Bangari’, ‘Kaanadanthe Maayavadanu’, ‘Baaji Katti Nodu Bara’, ‘Belli moodithu Koli koogithu’, ‘Hosa Belaku’, ‘Jokey Naanu’, and ‘Nanna Neenu Gellalare’.. There were many songs, scenes and jokes were enacted from Dr Raj movies by members. It was almost like Rajkumar all over again. Namma Sansara, Yaare Koogadali, scene from Mayura, Bedara Kannappa, Bhakta Kumbara, ladies' dance to the song of Dr Raj’s co-stars, and dances for Dr Raj’s duets are to name few.
The main attraction of the day was singer, Ashok Basthi, popularly known as Junior Rajkumar, who did an excellent job of both looking and singing like the all-time-great Rajkumar. It was like Rajkumar on the stage. He mesmerized the audience with his looks, acting, songs and style of the late Dr Rajkumar.
It was a festive season when Padma Vibushan N R Narayana Murthy, founder and chairman emeritus, Infosys Ltd entered the hall. It was a dream comes true for the audience to meet the personality who has made Kannadigas around the world proud. The stage programme started with a welcome speech by KKK president Dr Surendra Nayak. Chief guest R Narayana Murthy, Ahmed Fawzi Musaad Al Saleh, chairman, Kuwait Computer Services and major sponsors were welcomed to the dais.
R Narayana Murthy was introduced and honoured with flowers, Mysore Peta, shawl, garland and memento. He gave an inspiring speech to the audience which was appreciated by everyone. Sponsors on the stage too spoke few words on the event. Ahmed Fawzi Musaad Al Saleh gave a short humorous speech which was appreciated by everyone. When he admitted that ‘behind every successful Kuwaiti, there is an Indian brain’ the audience cheered to maximum and gave a non-stop applause. It was an honour to Indians in Kuwait by a prominent Kuwaiti businessman.
All the sponsors were honored with a memento by Narayana Murthy. A souvenir was released in a unique manner to mark the event. Secretary Ramakumar Nagaraja proposed vote of thanks. The scripts of the programme were prepared by Vinutha Ramesha, Shailaja Hombali, Ravi Krishnaswami and Damodar Rao. The program was well compered in both Kannada and English by Rekha Damodar, Preeti Shetty, Sandhya Arun, Naveen Subbaiah, Ravi Krishnaswami, Damodar Rao and Dr Vani. The well arranged programme came to an end with Dr Raj’s few more memories and delicious dinner. It was a perfect gift from KKK to the Kannadigas in Kuwait for Diwali season.