Kannada tinselville's colossus Rajkumar no more

Bangalore, Apr 12 (UNI) The Indian film industry lost a titan as Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar, who evoked nationwide sympathy when he spent 109 days in the captivity of forest brigand Veerappan in 2000, died here today following a cardiac arrest.

He was 77. He is survived by wife Parvathamma, a film producer, three sons -- Shivraj, Raghavendra and Puneet -- all actors, besides a daughter.

Family sources told UNI that Rajkumar complained of respiratory problem after a normal breakfast and breathed his last on way to the hospital. His eyes were donated in keeping with his pledge.

Mourning the demise of the doyen of Kannada tinselville, the Karnataka Cabinet, at an extraordinary meeting, declared a two-day State mourning and announced that the last rites would be conducted with State honours tomorrow. Government offices, courts and educational institutions have declared a holiday for two days.

Thousands of people thronged Rajkumar's residence to have a last glimpse of the Kannada thespian.

Shocked by the sudden demise of their screen idol, fans indulged in widespread violence, torching vehicles and damaging buildings.

Shops, business establishments and cinemas downed their shutters.

Elsewhere in the State, bandhs were observed in the southern districts of Mysore and Mandya, besides Shimoga. Processions and condolence meetings were organised across the State.

The frenzy led to shifting the body first to the Palace Grounds and later back to the actor's Sadashivnagar residence, only to be taken again to Kanteerava Stadium to enable the lakhs of fans to pay homage. Tear gas shells were lobbed to contain the mob.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani cancelled his Karnataka leg of the Bharat Suraksha yatra following the demise of the veteran actor.

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