Kannada films’ superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passed away today (29th October) in Bangalore after suffering a cardiac arrest while working out in the gymnasium. He was rushed to Vikram Hospital but the doctors could not save the 46-year-old son of late actor Dr. Rajkumar. Dr. Ranganath Nayak of Vikram Hospital was quoted as having said soon after the superstar was hospitalised, “Trying our best to treat him. His condition is serious. Can’t say anything as of now. His condition was bad when brought to hospital, treatment on in ICU.”
Ironically, Puneeth was the brand ambassador for the ‘Prevent Premature Heart Attack’ initiative of the state-run SJCRI and he had even participated in the launch of ‘Heart Attack In Young Age’ clinic at Jayadeva Hospital in Bangalore in September 2017. Besides as an actor, Puneeth had a huge fan following as a fitness enthusiast too. His ‘Fight Corona Workout’ video had gone viral, garnering more than a million views.
Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj S. Bommai was present at the hospital. Puneeth’s elder brother, actor Shivrajkumar, and actor Yash were also present.
The news of the demise has spread a pall of gloom in the entire South Indian film industry. Puneeth was recently seem promoting Shivrajkumar’s Bajrangi 2. He even tweeted about the film this morning.
Puneeth Rajkumar started his career as a child actor. He even won the National Film Award for the best child actor for his performance in Bettada Hoovu in 1985. He started playing male lead roles with Appu (2002) which then became his pet name among his fans. He was also referred to as Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar. He mostly worked in family entertainers. Among his major successes are Jackie, Hudugaru, Rana Vikrama, Raajakumara and Natasaarvabhowma. His last film was Yuvarathnaa. He had recently completed the shooting of James and was to begin shooting for Dvitva from 1st November. Puneeth was known for his dances and was considered one of the best dancers of South Indian cinema.
The actor’s eyes were harvested, as per his pledge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin and many other politicians mourned Puneeth’s death and paid rich tributes to him.