Kanteerava Studios

Kanteerava Studios (Kannada: ಕಂಠೀರವ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋಸ್) is a film studio in Bangalore, Karnataka, predominantly used for the production of Kannada language movies from Kannada film industry. Dr.Rajkumar, the most popular actor in Kannada cinema, was laid in rest in the premises of this studios.

History

In the year 1966, the Kanteerava Studio was launched as a joint stock company on 20 acres of land. The studio was started with the Government of Karnataka holding 93 per cent of the share capital and the remaining 7 per cent by private shareholders. Over the several decades, the studio suffered losses, as new generation of film-makers and new techniques took over the industry.

In the year 2005, the State Government initiated a proposal to revive the studio by leashing in private firms for the maintenance. This was followed by two recommendations by the "Public Sector Reforms Commission" — that is, either to close down unhealthy government undertakings or to go for private partnerships to revive them. The government then informed that, it was open to offer seventy four per cent maintenance-related investments to private partners, however, without compensating the government's authority over the decision-making [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr192005/city2115282005418.asp A script for Kanteerava Studios] ] .

Burial of Dr.Rajkumar

On April 13, 2006, Kanteerava Studios, which is considered as a major landmark in the history of Kannada cinemahttp://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Apr142006/state1946192006413.asp] , became the burial ground of Rajkumar, who is generally considered as Kannada cinema's greatest son.

Dr. Rajkumar died at his home in Sadashiva Nagar, Bangalore, on April 12, 2006 (13.45 IST) following a cardiac arrest. Due to his larger than life image, the city virtually came to a halt as the news spread about the death. His death precipitated a city-wide reaction comparable to the time he was kidnapped by Veerappan. Following the news of his death, Bangalore city saw violence by people claiming to be his fans. The Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy later claimed that the violence was instigated by vested political interests. An unofficial "bandh" (closure of all shops and other establishments) was announced.

The state government declared a state-wide holiday on April 13 as a mark of respect to the departed soul, who was also a recipient of Karnataka Ratna ("pearl of Karnataka") award. Private firms and businesses all over the city and many parts of the state remained closed due to the holiday. The body was kept initially at Rajkumar's home in Sadashiva Nagar. Due to the immense crowd pressure, the body was moved initially to Palace Grounds and then later to the Kanteerava Stadium. He was laid to rest in Kanteerava Studios, on April 13, 2006.

Dr.Rajkumar Memorial

In the premises of Kanteerava Studio, the Karnataka Government is setting up a memorial for Kannada thespian Rajkumar, with the estimated cost of Rs 10 crorehttp://in.news.yahoo.com//060418/211/63mfx.html] .The blueprint of the memorial will be constituted by a panel comprising the Dr.Rajkumar family members, representatives of the Kannada film industry and the state government.

A permanent exhibition on the history of the Kannada film industry and Rajkumar's movies will be an integral part of the memorial. In the respect of Rajkumar's prolonged association with the studio, the actor's trophies and souvenirs will be put up for exhibition at the memorial.The studio, located in Nandini Layout, in the northern part of the Bangalore city, has become a pilgrim and tourist spot after the demise of Rajkumar, with thousands of fans making efforts to pay their homage to the departed soul.

List of Chairpersons

"Incomplete list"
* B. Saroja Devi
* B. Shivaram

List of movies shot at Kanteerava Studios

"Incomplete list"
* "Odahuttidavalu"
* "Kallarali Hoovagi"
* "Ekadanta"
* "Gandhada Bombe"
* "Narasimha"
* "Sinchana"
* "7'O Clock"
* "Balagalittu Olage Baa"
* "Sravanthi"

References

External links

* [http://www.rajkumarmemorial.com/memorialsite.htm Rajkumar Memorial]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Apr142006/state1946192006413.asp Landmark studio becomes Raj’s last resting place]
* [http://in.news.yahoo.com//060418/211/63mfx.html Rs 10 crore-memorial for Rajkumar]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/21/stories/2005042111000400.htm Film industry opposed to plan for Kanteerava Studios]