Shivaraj back to work

Bangalore, Jan 25 (IANS) Kannada star Shivaraj Kumar, who was hospitalised earlier this month with a stomach ache and fever, has recovered and is ready to return to the sets.

His sudden illness Jan 3 forced the busy actor to take a break from his work. The news created anxiety among millions of his fans and he had to appear on television to announce he was on the road to recovery.

Shivaraj was moved by the affection shown by his fans and well-wishers.

He says: "It was really heartening to see so many people enquiring about my health and sending get-well messages. They were all eager to see me back."

Shivaraj, who has four films in hand right now, is gearing up to resume shooting the magnum opus "Kumara Rama". He will also dub for two films - "Ashoka", directed by Shivamani and produced by Ramesh Yadav, and director Sai Prakash's sentimental drama "Tavarina Siri" being produced by Ramu Enterprises.

Both the films are expected to hit the screen in next two months.

He had signed a new film, "Gandana Mane", much before his illness and planned to start shooting for it after completing the Jaipur schedule of "Kumara Rama". He will probably start working on this film too.

Shivaraj has been unanimously declared the best actor of 2005 by the media and the film industry after delivering two major hits last year - "Jogi" and "Anna Thangi".

With so many films in the offing, he hopes to be back with a bang.