Evergreen Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar mesmerized his audience on the big screen with his career spanning across four decades. Now, school students in Karnataka will be initiated to the life and times of Rajkumar's films. The young generation will be familiar with the late actor not just through his movies, but also as part of their curriculum, The Times of India reports.
On the occasion of his 88th birth anniversary on Monday, the Karnataka government decided to include a chapter on the actor in the Kannada textbook taught in Class 5.
It is the state's Home Minister G Parameshwara who made the announcement, after Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya, actors and Rajkumar's family members- including his sons, actors Shivarajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar- paid homage at his samathi in Kanteevara studios.
Confirming the development to TOI, Chairman of the textbook review committee Bargur Ramchandrappa said that a four-page chapter that covers the early life and Rajkumar's career will be included in the textbook.
"The chapter is a compilation of excerpts from Rajkumar's biography, penned by the journalist Doddahulluru Rukkoji,” said Ramachandrappa.
Apart from this, there will be a mention of the actor in the social science textbook of Class 6.
Interestingly, the Maharashtra government has already included a lesson on the Kannada actor titled ‘Natasarvabhouma’ in the Class 8 Kannada medium textbook.
Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to digitize Rajkumar's movies and the Centre has reportedly expressed willingness to provide financial support for the same.
As part of his 88th birthday anniversary, Google had honoured him with a special doodle.