Trained in classical music during his theatre days, Rajkumar also became an accomplished playback singer. 17 of his films have received Karnataka State Film Awards in five different categories. 13 of his films have received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada (Rajat Kamal) within a span of 15 years from 1954 to 1968. He went on to work in over 205 films essaying a variety of roles and excelling in portraying mythological and historical characters in films such as Bhakta Kanakadasa (1960), Ranadheera Kanteerava (1960), Satya Harishchandra (1965), Immadi Pulikeshi (1967), Sri Krishnadevaraya (1970), Bhakta Kumbara (1974), Mayura (1975), Babruvahana (1977) and Bhakta Prahlada (1983). Rajkumar entered the film industry after his long stint as a dramatist with Gubbi Veeranna's Gubbi Drama Company, which he joined at the age of eight before he got his first break as a lead in the 1954 film Bedara Kannappa. Upon his death, The New York Times had described him as one of India's most popular movie stars. On the occasion of 'Centenary of Indian Cinema' in April 2013, Forbes included his performance in Bangaarada Manushya on its list of '25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema'. His 33 movies have been remade 55 times in 7 languages by 32 actors making him the first actor whose movies were remade more than 50 times. He is the only lead actor to win National Award for singing. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1983 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1995. Regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors in the history of Indian cinema and a versatile actor, he is considered a cultural icon and holds a matinée idol status in the Kannada diaspora, among whom he is popularly called as Nata Saarvabhouma (emperor of actors), Bangarada Manushya (man of gold), Vara Nata (gifted actor), Gaana Gandharva (God of singing), Rasikara Raja (king of connoisseurs), Kannada Kanteerava and Rajanna/ Annavru (elder brother, Raj). Rajkumar, was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Kannada cinema. Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006), better known by his stage name Dr.

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