Kannada Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar is no more amidst us

By Jyothi Venkatesh

The popular young Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar (46) known fondly in film circles as Power Star passed away after having been admitted yesterday in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack. The hospital had shared a statement saying that Puneeth was non-responsive right from the time he was brought to the hospital. He had complained of chest pain and taken to a local hospital where he got his ECG done. The doctor added that Puneeth Rajkumar was in a very critical condition and though he tried his level best to save his life, Puneet passed away in the afternoon yesterday. For all those who are unversed,  Puneeth Rajkumar is legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar and Parvathamma’s youngest son. He commanded a huge fan base across Karnataka. The late superstar’s remains will be kept at Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru the whole day today so his fans and followers can pay homage. The police are presently making arrangements at the outdoor stadium. His funeral is likely to take place today evening or Sunday October 31.

Puneet Rajkumar is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and two daughters, Drithi and Vandhitha. Puneeth’s sudden demise came across as a huge shock to his family members, friends and, more importantly, his fans. In a throwback interview with Metrolife, Puneeth Rajkumar had stated that he was nervous to talk to his parents about Ashwini. He said, “I had never spoken to them so freely and openly about such matters. It was the first time I stood before my father and told him I wanted to marry this girl I loved. He then asked me to tell my mother and soon things began falling in place.”

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After being friends for eight months, Puneeth knew that Ashwini was the one for her. He had proposed to her and she immediately agreed. Puneeth’s family was happy to welcome Ashwini into their lives. However, Ashwini’s family wasn’t really convinced at first. It is said that they were initially reluctant and didn’t agree for several months. But, Puneeth and Ashwini stood their ground. After six months, Ashwini’s family finally agreed. Puneeth and Ashwini had met each other through a common friend. They became friends and exchanged meaningful conversations for several months. After being friends ,Puneeth and Ashwini Revanth got married in a grand wedding ceremony on December 1, 1999.

The actor was currently shooting for James directed by Chethan Kumar. Touted as a complete action entertainer, Puneeth had completed a major chunk of the shoot. Priya Anand was his leading lady in the film. Puneeth was also supposed to shoot for Dvitva. It was slated to go on floors in November or December. This would have marked his first collaboration with Pawan Kumar. Incidentally, it also happens to be Pawan’s birthday today. Puneeth also had an untitled project in his kitty with Santhosh Ananddram. The duo has worked together in Raajakumara and the recently released Yuvarathnaa on Amazon Prime Video. Apart from this, Puneeth also had five films lined up in his home banner that he has produced.

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Puneeth is fondly called Appu by his fans. He had acted in over 29 Kannada films as the male lead. He started his career as a child artist and even won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in Bettada Hoovu in 1985. He won the Karnataka State Award for Best Child Artist for his performances in Chalisuva Modagalu and Yeradu Nakshatragalu. Puneeth became a hero with Appu (2002), after which his fans fondly called him Appu. Some of his famous films include Abhi, Veera Kannadiga, Ajay, Arasu, Raam, Hudugaru and Anjani Putra, among others. He was last seen in Yuvaratna, which was released early this year.

Puneeth Rajkumar made his television debut as the popular host of Kannadada Kotyadhipati Season 1 in 2017. The show was adapted from the Hindi reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which is adapted from the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Puneeth Rajkumar’s Kannadada Kotyadhipati was a huge hit. The Power Star hosted the second season of the quiz game show as well. However, he was replaced by actor Ramesh Arvind for the third season. But, he made a comeback as the host of Kannadada Kotyadhipati Season 4 in 2019.

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After Kannadada Kotyadhipati, Puneeth Rajkumar was seen as the host of Colors Kannada’s Family Power. The family game show ran from November 2017 to April 2018. The Power Star was also into production. At present, he was presenting Kannada TV show Netravathi for Udaya TV. Puneeth Rajkumar was one of the most celebrated actors in the Kannada film industry, was the son of legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar. Puneet took forward the legacy of his father Raj Kumar, considered one of the greatest stars of Indian cinema, and created a massive and loyal fan base for himself down South. He also enjoyed a strong following of 1.5 million on Instagram alone.

Kannada film stars and Puneeth’s elder brother Shivarajkumar reached the hospital earlier in the day. Yash, Darshan, Ravichandran also rushed to the hospital. Security was intensified at the hospital and near the actor’s home in the city’s Sadashivanagar. CM Basavaraj Bommai had also visited the hospital. We will miss Puneet Rajkumar (who has also donated his eyes after his death)  a lot and pray that God up there lets his soul rest in peace