When the news came in, everyone who knew and celebrated 46-year-old Puneeth Rajkumar had prayed that it will be a mirage. However, as time passed, Karnataka and the whole ecosystem of the Indian cinema had braced up a shocking fact that the Power Star of the Sandalwood is no more. Since the demise was made public, the charming smile from Puneeth was revolving everywhere by reminiscing his everlasting legacy. That serene smile had now gone by stirring a sea of tears and incessant grief.
The day started with a routine for Puneeth Rajkumar and ended with an irreplaceable vacuum as the actor had left a legacy, his acting, and his family. Though being a part of Rajkumar's scion, Puneeth Rajkumar had garnered a huge fan base across and beyond Karnataka, and in a career spanning for three decades, he had become one of the popular celebrities and highest-paid actors in the Kannada cinema. He was one of the very few actors in Kannada who enjoyed ties with several stars of various languages.
On Friday, Puneeth Rajkumar had complained of chest pain while working out in a gym. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital and later, he was shifted to Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru at around 11.30 am. He was brought at a critical state and amid the treatments, the quadragenarian had breathed his last on Friday afternoon. Speaking to the media after Rajkumar's arrival at the hospital, Dr Ranganath Nayak, senior consultant cardiologist in Vikram Hospital, said that Puneeth Rajkumar reached the hospital at 11.30 am with chest pain. "Trying our best to treat him. His condition is serious. Can't say anything as of now. His condition was bad when brought to the hospital, treatment on in ICU", Nayak added.
He further said, "Prior to coming here, he (Rajkumar) had gone to a clinic following chest pain at around 11 am. ECG was done in the clinic and he has suffered from a heart attack." Later, the hospital said that Puneet Rajkumar was unresponsive and was in Cardiac Asystole and Advanced cardiac resuscitation was initiated. However, his health had deteriorated further and the actor had passed away. As more and more people had begun gathering before the hospital, the city police had deployed additional forces to counter any untoward incidents. Several leaders and celebrities have been paying tribute to the departed soul and placing condolences on the actor's family, which is one of the well-known families in India.
Karnataka Minister Dr CN Ashwathnarayan has confirmed Puneeth Rajkumar's demise. The minister said, "He had accomplished immensely from an early age. It is difficult to believe that he, who has always been the backbone of constructive programs, is no more." Puneet Rajkumar, who was fondly called the Power Star of Sandalwood, has left behind his wife and two daughters. He was active in the industry for the past three decades and besides acting, he was also known for his versatility. He had done playback singing, television presently, and produced movies in Kannada cinema.
Born as Lohit Rajkumar on 17th March 1975 in Chennai, Puneet Rajkumar is the fifth and youngest child of veteran Kannada actor Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar. Puneet's elder brother Shiva Rajkumar is also a popular actor. Puneeth was last seen in 'Yuvarathnaa', which was released early this year and became a blockbuster. The untimely demise of Puneeth Rajkumar at the age of 46 had saddened the film fraternities, national leaders, the common people.
While hundreds and thousands of people are mourning the demise of Puneeth Rajkumar, his last days and tweets on Twitter have been going viral. His tweet on the morning hours of Friday has become his last and his recent wishes to superstar Rajinikanth have also been going rampant. In his last tweet, Puneeth Rajkumar had on Friday morning written on Twitter, "Best wishes for the entire team of Bhajarangi 2." On October 25, four days ahead of his untimely demise, Rajkumar had wished Rajinikanth after the latter was bestowed with Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
The departed actor wrote, "Hearty congratulations @rajinikanth sir on receiving India's Highest Film Honour #DadasahebPhalkeAward." He also had congratulated Wild Karnataka on receiving the 67th National Film Awards for Best Narration and Best Exploration film in the Non-Feature Film category. Scrolling down his Twitter page would give a sense of difficulty in accepting that he is no more with us. He never had forgotten to leave his signature smile in every post and for millions, his demise was a bolt from the blue moment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media and wrote, "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." Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wrote, "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 his followers".
In his obituary note, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened as Karnataka's most loved superstar #PuneetRajkumar is no longer with us. A huge personal loss and one that's difficult to come to terms with. Praying the almighty gives the Rajkumar family and fans the strength to bear this loss." Telugu star Mahesh Babu wrote, "Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of Puneeth Rajkumar's demise. One of the most humble people I've met and interacted with. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."
Malayalam superstar Mammooty wrote, "Shocking and Heartbreaking to know that Puneeth is no more. It is a huge loss for the film fraternity. My deepest condolences to Puneeth's family and loved ones. RIP #PuneethRajkumar." Actor Sonu Sood took to social media and wrote, "Heartbroken. Will always miss you, my brother." Puneet Rajkumar was well admired for his discipline and he had also involved in philanthropy with his mother in Mysore. His body was transported from the hospital to his house amid the sea of people and it has been reported that his final journey will take place on Friday evening as the entire Karnataka mourns his loss.
Best wishes for the entire team of #Bhajarangi2. @NimmaShivanna @NimmaAHarsha @JayannaFilms
— Puneeth Rajkumar (@PuneethRajkumar) October 29, 2021
Hearty congratulations @rajinikanth sir on receiving India's Highest Film Honour #DadasahebPhalkeAward
— Puneeth Rajkumar (@PuneethRajkumar) October 25, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/ofcNpnMmW3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2021
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