Prodigal returns
Celebration time in Karnataka

It is razzle-dazzle time in Karnataka. Dr Rajkumar’s abduction had come as a big shock to the people there. And now the entire state of Karnataka is celebrating the release of the icon after 108 days of captivity at the hands of forest outlaw Veerappan. It can be said that it is a 100-day plus show of the actor of Kannada cinema, but in a different way. It is sheer will power, the yogic power and strict discipline in Dr Rajkumar that kept him in good health and condition all these days, a marvellous achievement of the Natasarvabowma.

Surprisingly, the cutthroat killer, poacher and abductor brigand Veerappan gave a splendid farewell to Dr Rajkumar by presenting him with a shawl and a tohfa.
Dr Rajkumar, the king of kings, has now entered world history as the longest held captive ever.

When Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister of India, confirmed the news of the actor’s release on the morning of November 15, it was celebration time all over the state.

Trays of sweetmeats piled up at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce office since morning. Fire crackers were bursting everywhere. By afternoon, no sweet items were available at the shops in Bangalore. Such was the celebration in Bangalore, the reason being the precious jewel of the state, Dr Rajkumar was back after an ordeal.