Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar (46) dies; fans, friends in shock & disbelief
Kannada cinemas reigning star and celebrity television host Puneeth Rajkumar, known for films such as Appu, Veera Kannadiga and Maurya, died in Bengaluru on Friday (October 29) following a massive heart attack.
He was 46.
Puneeth, who was known to be a fitness enthusiast, was rushed to Vikram Hospital after he complained of chest pain following a two-hour workout in the gym, doctors treating him said. He died shortly after. He is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and two daughters Dhriti and Vanditha.
Restless crowds of stunned fans milled around the hospital complex as news came in of the sudden death of the actor, the son of much-loved matinee idol Rajkumar who fast outgrew his father’s shadow to make a place for himself in the Kannada showbiz industry.
Puneeth’s body is kept at the Kanteerava Stadium to enable the public to pay their last respects. He said Puneeth’s last rites would be performed with full state honours.
According to a statement from the Vikram Hospital earlier in the day, Puneeth was taken to the emergency department with history of chest pain at 11:40 am, he was non-responsive advanced cardiac resuscitation has been initiated”.
Condolences poured in from political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted: “A cruel twist of fate has snatched away from us a prolific and talented actor, Puneeth Rajkumar. This was no age to go. The coming generations will remember him fondly for his works and wonderful personality. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and a number of top dignitaries reached the hospital soon after the news broke.
Security forces have been deployed at the actor’s residence and the hospital. They have blocked roads leading to the actor’s house.
A very popular actor, Puneeth was known as Appu or Powerstar in the industry and among his fans. One of the highest-paid actors in the industry, he will be last seen in Chethan Kumar’s film James.
Ahh Noooo .. Gone too soon my dear Appu. I’m shattered .. Heart broken .. not fair #BlackFriday #PuneethRajkumar
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 29, 2021
Deeply shocked by the demise of talented actor #PowerStar #PuneethRajkumar.
He had won the hearts of Kannadigas through his great acting skills & his simplicity. His passing away is a great loss for Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/cpKiQ74IIf
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 29, 2021
Condolences on the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead.
My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers. pic.twitter.com/8Gv4G4vrnz— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 29, 2021
Heartbroken ?
Will always miss you my brother. #PuneethRajkumar— sonu sood (@SonuSood) October 29, 2021
Puneeth is the fifth and youngest child of yesteryear Kannada superstar Rajkumar. The actor is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth, and daughters Drithi and Vanditha.
Fans gather outside Bengaluru's Vikram Hospital where Kannada actor #PuneethRajkumar is currently hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/aNfCAIsy8l
— Asianet Newsable (@AsianetNewsEN) October 29, 2021
Puneeth Rajkumar had given memorable performances in Vasantha Geetha (1980), Bhagyavantha (1981), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), Bhakta Prahaladha, Yarivanu and Bettada Hoovu (1985) as a child artiste. He was awarded the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role of Ramu in Bettada Hoovu.
He made a comeback as a lead hero in commercially successful films, such as Appu (2002), Abhi (2003), Veera Kannadiga (2004), Mourya (2004), Aakash (2005), Ajay (2006), Arasu (2007), Milana (2007), Vamshi (2008), Raam (2009), Jackie (2010), Hudugaru (2011), Raajakumara (2017), and Anjani Putra (2017).
