K'taka: Rajkumar's birth ann celebrated with fanfare

Bangalore, Apr 24: Cultural programmes, blood donation camps,release of gold coin and unveiling of an eight-ft tall 'panchaloha'statue were held to mark the 79th birth anniversary of Kannada thespianRajkumar throughout Karnataka today. Thousands of fans converged on the main roads of the city andother parts of the State to celebrate the birth anniversary of theirhero, who had passed away on April 12, 2006.

The family members paid homage to the actor at the burial groundat Kanteerava Studio on the outskirts of the city. Thousands of fansalso visited the spot. A trust in the name of the departed actor waslaunched today by the family members.

A 12-hour musical extravaganza was held in Mysore to mark the birth anniversary, inaugurated by noted writer D Javare Gowda.

He said a blue print had been prepared to stage the life and achievements of Rajkumar through theatre medium.

Veteran actor K S Ashwath was honoured on the occasion.

UNI