Puneet Rajkumar
Powerstar Puneet Rajkumar, 46, known for films like “Appu”, “Veera Kannadiga” and “Maurya”, passed away at a hospital in Bengaluru after suffering a heart attack. He was the son of the late prince. and Parvathamma. The body of Puneet Rajkumar is being kept for public viewing at Kanteerva Stadium till Saturday evening. Thousands of people across the state are thronging to pay their last respects to their favorite star.
Considered a fitness enthusiast, Puneet was rushed to Vikram Hospital after he complained of chest pain after a two-hour workout at the gym, doctors treated him. He died shortly after.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Finance Minister condoled his death. Nirmala SitharamanTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, among others.
Several big names from the South film industry including veteran actors Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, Sidharth as well as Bollywood names like Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt also paid tribute to the actor.
Puneeth Rajkumar’s body will be placed near the grave of his father, Kannada cinema legend Dr Rajkumar in Bengaluru. Senior IAS officer N Manjunath Prasad, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, issued an order in this regard on Friday. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has directed to take necessary steps to conduct the last rites of the actor in the premises of Sree Kanteerava Studio near Dr Rajkumar’s grave in Bengaluru, the order said.
Puneet Rajkumar’s mother Parvatamma is also buried in the same premises. This decision has been taken as per the wishes of his family. The civic agency and police department of Bengaluru have been asked to make necessary arrangements.
Puneet started his career as a child artist in films like “Thaige Thakka Maga”, “Vasant Geeta” and “Bhagyavant”.
— With input from agencies
He made his debut as a leading man with the 2002 film “Appu” and followed it up with films like “Abhi”, “Veera Kannadiga” and “Maurya”, “Ajay” and “Arasu”.
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