Acting

Dr. Rajkumar

**Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj** (born 24 April 1929, died 12 April 2006), universally known by his stage name **Dr. Rajkumar**, was an Indian actor and playback singer who became the foundational pillar and a towering cultural icon of Kannada cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema, he achieved a legendary matinée idol status among the Kannada diaspora, affectionately earning titles such as *Nata Saarvabhouma* (Emperor of Actors), *Bangarada Manushya* (Man of Gold), *Gaana Gandharva* (Celestial singer), and simply *Annavru* (Elder Brother). Born in Doddagajanur, a settlement in the Madras Presidency, into a family of impoverished theatre artists, he was named Muthuraj after the Hindu deity Hanuman. He began his acting career at a young age, performing as a drama artist with the renowned Gubbi Drama Company. His extensive theater background laid the foundation for his immaculate diction and extraordinary range of performances.