Royal role for Shivaraj in 'Kumara Rama'

Bangalore, Nov 29 (IANS) Shivaraj Kumar dons royal robes for the historical film "Kumara Rama", launched amid much fanfare at the Abbiah Naidu studios here, in a role that his father and Kannada cinema icon Dr. Rajkumar was once supposed to play.

Rajkumar supervised the first shot of the film, being directed by Bhargav.

Shivaraj's mother Parvthamma Raj Kumar did the honours by lighting the lamp at the 'muhurat' of the film, being produced by Pattabhiram.

The first shot of the big-budget film was taken on a huge 'durbar' set, where Shivaraj, Srinivasa Murthy and some junior artistes faced the camera.

Talking about his regal costume, Shivaraj said: "I was in a different world. Doing a role meant for my father is a dream come true."

Laya and Seetha will also feature in the film. Other names will be announced later.