Thousands of people thronged the Kanteerva studio here Thursday to pay homage to thespian Rajkumar on his first death anniversary.

Amid tight security and the presence of hundreds of policemen, people from all walks of life made a beeline to the studio where the shrine (tomb) of their "annavaru" (big brother) is located under a canopy.

The film fraternity, including popular cine stars Vishnuvardhan, B. Saroja Devi and Jayanti, paid floral tributes to the celluloid hero who straddled the Kannada film industry for over six decades.

Rajkumar's family, led by his widow Parvathamma, sons, daughters, grandchildren and relatives, were the first to reach the shrine to conduct the anniversary rituals amid chanting of Vedic hymns and invocations by priests.

State Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, a couple of his cabinet colleagues and scores of political leaders also came to pay their respects.

"The love and respect appaji (Rajkumar) commands among millions of his fans even a year after his sad demise is heartening. We are touched by their devotion and emotional attachment to him," Rajkumar's eldest son and cine star Shiva Rajkumar told reporters.

About 6,000 people were served food at the venue as part of the function held across the city in Rajkumar's memory. The Indian Disabled League Foundation comprising blind singers released a CD of songs in which Rajkumar figures prominently.

A memorial function was also held at the Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce where producers, directors, distributors and scores of cine artistes recalled their fond association with Rajkumar.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy has directed the state culture department officials to build a dream memorial at the burial spot as a tribute to Rajkumar.

The Rs.100 million memorial will have a garden, a theatre and a film library. The state government has allocated Rs.30 million for the project in the budget for this fiscal.

"We will build a memorial to give Rajkumar a fitting tribute," Kumaraswamy said, playing down a row over the delay in building the memorial. "My government will spare no effort in honouring one of Karnataka's great icons," he added.

Parvathama, however, said the family was unhappy with the government's handling of the memorial issue. "The statue is not yet ready. It is over a year since the government had promised to install one," she lamented.

City Police Commissioner Achyut Rao said the presence of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the deployment of a large number of policemen had ensured a peaceful anniversary. Large-scale violence had rocked the city during the funeral of the actor, leaving eight dead and scores injured, besides damage to buses and public property.