Rajkumar a yogi: Ex-emissaries

Chennai, Apr 12 (UNI) Kannada Matinee Idol Rajkumar, who died in Bangalore today, led the life of a 'yogi' in dense forests during his 108-day long captivity under Forest Brigand Veerappan, according to Tamil Magazine 'Nakkeeran' Editor R R Gopal and Tamil Nationalist Movement (TNM) Leader P Nedumaran.

Mr Gopal and Mr Nedumaran acted as emissaries of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Governments to secure the safe release of the actor, who was abducted from his Gajanur Farm House on the night of July 30, 2000.

After protracted negotiations and many visits to the difficult terrains of Sathyamangalam forests, Dr Rajkumar was released by Veerappan on November 15.

Recounting their days with Dr Rajkumar in the forests during the captivity, they said when they first met the actor, he looked like a 'yogi.' Vividly recalling the pleasing manners of Dr Rajkumar who never pulled a long face, Mr Nedumaran described him as a humble and good person. He commanded great respect from Veerappan, who treated him with dignity.

He remained unperturbed and appeared calm and never looked tense during his life in jungle, Mr Nedumaran said.

Echoing similar views, Mr Gopal said the actor used to eat the ''poor quality of food'' given by the brigand without any murmur or complaints.

The TNM leader said Veerappan gave the actor an emotional send off after the peace talks ended successfully.

''Both of them (Rajkumar and Veerappan) separated as friends...not as a captor and captive,'' Mr Nedumaran recalled.

''It was a touching moment as Veerappan gave new clothes to Dr Rajkumar, who reciprocated the gesture by presenting the brigand a medallion of Goddess Chamundeswari,'' the TNM leader added.

Both Mr Gopal and Mr Nedumaran expressed shock over death of Dr Rajkumar who was revered by the people of Karnataka.

''He was not only an actor, but a great personality. His death was a great loss to Kannadigas,'' they said and expressed their heartfelt condolences to the actor's wife Parvathamma and his family members.

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