In a career that spanned 45 years, Dr Raj, as he was fondly called, acted in 205 films, ranging from the mythological to social dramas. He was also a playback singer and won a National Award for the song Nadamaya from Jeevana Chaitra.

Staying away from politics and from acting in any non-Kannada films, Dr Rajkumar enjoyed the sort of popularity that could come only from immense talent and touching humility.

rediff pays tribute to Kannada cinema's Annavaru.