Bangalore, Apr 24: Thousands of Kannada film fans on Saturday attended the birth anniversary celebrations of thespian Dr Rajkumar at his residence in the upmarket Sadashivanagar area in Bangalore.

A huge cake in memory of the matinee idol was cut by his three sons Shivarajkumar, Raghavendra and Puneet Rajkumar in the presence of thousands of the superstar's followers.

The fans came dressed in some of Raj's best on-screen roles, including mythological characters. There were performances of Raj's hit films on the streets and mimes by look alike artistes.

Raj's family organized a special event to celebrate the thespian's birth anniversary. Three senior film personalities were felicitated on the occasion in recognition of their services to Kannada films.

They included renowned film director Bhagwan, who directed several of Rajkumar's blockbusters, and senior character artistes Shivaram and Shantamma, regulars in any Rajkumar film. The awards were given away by Parvathamma Rajkumar.

A special screening of Raj's hit films was also held at the venue. The police had a tough time manning the swelling crowds.

In the afternoon, fans gathered at the Dr Raj Memorial at the Kanteerava Studios in Bangalore and cut another huge cake. Blood and eye donation camps and free health check-up was organized at the venue by Dr Rajkumar Fans' Association.