In 1985, he was honoured with the Kentucky Colonel award.[225] In 1995, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contributions to the Kannada film industry.
The New York-based American newspaper The New York Times described him as "an epitome of good character not just in movies but also in real life".[231]
The California-based daily newspaper East Bay Times praised him for never having smoked cigarettes on screen and never playing a drunkard after his early days.[232]
ABC News - the news division of Walt Disney Television - acknowledged him as one of the greatest actors of his time and called him The Gentle Giant of Karnataka.[233]
A biographical book on Rajkumar compiled by Puneeth Rajkumar titled Dr. Rajkumar:The Person Behind The Personality was officially handed over to British Library, London.[242]
National level recognitionedit
1983 - Padma Bhushan[30]
1992 - Best Male Playback Singer for the song Naadamaya Ee Lokavella from the movie Jeevana Chaitra [28] - Only Indian actor to receive it for singing.
1995 - Dadasaheb Phalke Award - First person to receive it for his work in Kannada movies.
2002 - NTR National Award[243] - First Kannada actor to receive it.
On 1 November 2009, postal stamp bearing the actor's likeness was issued by the Central Government of India[244] - First Kannada actor to receive that honour.[245]
the title Natasarvabhouma.[251]
On 24 April 2017, Google India dedicated a Google Doodle in his honour.[252] - Second Indian actor to receive that honour.
Recognition by the stateedit
Honoured with the title: Nata Saarvabhouma in 1967 from the Government of Karnataka.[253]
Rajyotsava Prashasti in 1973.[254]
An honorary doctorate from the Mysore University[29] in 1976.
Karnataka Ratna in 1992 - First recipient of the award along with Kuvempu.[255][256]
The State Government established Dr. Rajkumar Award in 1993-94 to be given for lifetime achievement towards contributions to Kannada cinema - making him the first Indian actor in whose name a State Government established an award while he was still alive.
A 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) road was named Dr. Rajkumar Road[257] on 27 January 1994.[258] The road stretches from the government soap factory and World Trade Center (Orion mall) in Yeshwanthpur to Prasanna theatre, Magadi road in Bangalore.
The Nadoja Award, an honorary doctorate from Hampi University in 1999.[259]
He was felicitated by the Karnataka State Government on completion of 50 years in the Kannada film industry for his rich contributions to the celluloid world.[223][224]
In 2010, the Karnataka State Government had announced to build a film city in memory of Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan based on the model of Ramoji Film City.[260]
The 11.5 km road connecting Nayandahalli Junction and Tumkur Road titled as Dr.Rajkumar Punyabhoomi Raste where it passes through (Kanteerava studio) Raj's Monument.[261]
In 2017, the Karnataka State Government had prescribed his biography and contributions to Kannada cinema for its Class V students and a mention of his contributions to Kannada culture for its Class VI students.[262]
A garden depicting sequences from his movies through sculptures had been established at Gotagodi, Haveri.[263]
In August 2022, on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, flower show themed on the life journey of Rajkumar and his son Puneeth Rajkumar was conducted at Lal Bagh as a tribute to them[264] which included the bust of the actor along with 205 portraits of his films.[265]
Filmfare Awards Southedit
Rajkumar holds the record of winning eight South Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category in Kannada cinema.[266]
Below is the list of films for which he received the Best Actor awards:
Gandhada Gudi in 1973[267][268]
Mayura in 1975[269]
Shankar Guru in 1978[270]
Keralida Simha in 1981[271]
Shravana Banthu - 1984
Ade Kannu - 1985
Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma - 1986[272]
Aakasmika in 1993[273]
Total of 8[266] Filmfare awards in the Best Actor category.
Karnataka State Film Awardsedit
Rajkumar has won 11 Karnataka State Film Awards (9 for best actor, 2 for best singer
Best Actor
1967-68 - Bangaarada Hoovu
1970-71 - Kula Gourava
1974-75 - Bhakta Kumbara
1976-77 - Babruvaahana
1981-82 - Hosa Belaku
1982-83 - Haalu Jenu
1988-89 - Devatha Manushya
1992-93 - Jeevana Chaitra
1993-94 - Odahuttidavaru
Best Singer
1993-94 - Aakasmika - "Huttidare Kannada"
1994-95 - Thayi Illada Thavaru - "Arishina Kumkuma"
Other awards and honoursedit
In 2013, a bronze statue of Rajkumar was placed in the replica of Hampi stone chariot at Kurubarahalli Circle in Nandini Layout.[274]
Vishwa Maanava named by Kannada poet Kuvempu
ETV Kannadiga of the Year Award in 2003
In 2020, on the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava,[275] gold and silver coins engraved with his face on one side and the Karnataka State symbol Gandaberunda engraved on the other side were released in his memory.