"a huge loss to the Kannada and Indian film fraternity"
Indian actor Puneeth Rajkumar has died at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack while working out at the gym.
The Kannada superstar, known as Appu to his fans, passed away at Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru on Friday, October 29, 2021.
A statement from the hospital read:
“Mr Puneeth Rajkumar, aged 46 years was brought to Vikram Hospital on 29/10/21 with a diagnosis of heart attack with ECG done by a family doctor.
“At the time of arrival to the emergency, the patient was unresponsive and was in cardiac asystole.
“In spite of prolonged advanced and aggressive measures, the patient continued to be non-responsive and systolic.
“The panel of medical experts extended all efforts to save him. He was declared dead at 2:30 pm (local).”
His manager confirmed the news of his sudden death as tributes for the actor poured in on social media.
Malayalam actress Reba Monica John took to Twitter to pay her respects.
This is Unfathomable. Puneeth Rajkumar Sir,one of the finest actors and above all, gem of a human, the pride of Kannadigas. The universe is too unfair. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, dear Sir! You will for ever be remembered for all the amazing things you’ve done?such a big loss pic.twitter.com/9gVsq7a0rB
— Reba Monica John (@Reba_Monica) October 29, 2021
Bollywood’s Ajay Devgn wrote: “Your legacy will live on. RIP Puneeth.
“Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.”
Telegu actor Chiranjeevi Konidela said it was “a huge loss to the Kannada and Indian film fraternity as a whole”.
Singer Shreya Ghoshal also expressed her devastation: “This can’t be true! Devastated to hear this. #PuneethRajkumar.
“A humble superstar, so young, at the pinnacle of his life simply left the world.
“My deepest heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. Om Shanti.”
Anil Kapoor shared his condolences.
Shocking & extremely sad… #PuneethRajkumar ? Sending my heartfelt condolences & prayers to the family… pic.twitter.com/XJKwNKBsuW
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) October 29, 2021
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted: “Heartbreaking news! Gone too soon. #PuneethRajkumar.
“My condolences to his family and his fans. You will be missed.”
Sanjay Dutt said: “You were the most kindest and the simplest person I’ve met.
“The world has lost another gem. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Tamil actor Vikram Prabhu wrote: “Puneeth appu! Heartbroken and confused! The sweetest and purest soul I have met.
“Never hesitated to compliment and always so positive. Cannot understand this, can’t bear this.”
“Going to miss talking to you appu.”
Film composer D Imman said: “A humble human being is no more with us…
“Life is so uncertain and unpredictable… Worked Natasaarvabhowma (2019) with him and shocked to hear his demise.
“Rest in Peace Puneeth Sir.”
Puneeth Rajkumar first appeared on screen at just six months old when he appeared in the 1976 film Premada Kanike, which starred his father, veteran actor Dr Rajkumar.
The actor then featured in another film of his father’s, Sanaadi Appanna (1977), at the age of one.
He soon went on to be cast as a child artist in various movies before becoming the lead in the highly successful romance Appu (2002) opposite Rakshita as an adult.
This was followed by Abhi (2003), Veera Kannadiga (2004) and Maurya (2004), all of which did well commercially and established him as a leading actor in Kannada cinema.
He last appeared in Yuvarathnaa (2021).
Puneeth Rajkumar’s last rites will be carried out with full state honours.
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