A new book titled Nadayogi Dr Rajkumar was recently launched in Bengaluru to celebrate the incredible musical journey of the late Kannada cinema icon, Dr. Rajkumar. The book was officially released by his daughter, Poornima Ramkumar, at a special event.
What is the Book About?
Written by R. Manjunath Chavan and Dr. Soumya Manjunath Chavan, this book is available in both Kannada and English. It explores a side of the actor that many might not fully know:
- Deep Passion: It details Dr. Rajkumar’s deep understanding of music, including film songs, ghazals, and Hindustani classical traditions.
- A Lifelong Learner: The authors describe how the actor remained curious and eager to learn about music even in his later years.
- Expert Knowledge: The book highlights his knowledge of both Carnatic and Hindustani music styles.

Highlights from the Launch
- Family Memories: Poornima Ramkumar shared emotional memories, saying that music was like “breath” to her father and was at the center of their family’s life.
- Global Reach: In an exciting twist, representatives from a Kannada group in Tanzania attended the event. The book will be sent to East Africa so that Kannada-speaking communities there can read about the legend’s legacy.
- The Authors: The writers were close to Dr. Rajkumar’s family, which helped them share personal and rare details about his love for the arts.
This book serves as a permanent archive for future generations to understand the musical genius of one of India’s most beloved actors.



