Well-known Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar breathed his last on Friday at the age of 46. He was earlier admitted to a private hospital after he complained of chest pain.

The son of matinee idol the late Rajkumar, and Parvathamma, he was fondly called ‘Appu’ by his fans.

Puneeth began his career as a child artist and won National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role of Ramu in Bettada Hoovu in 1985. He was one of the highest-paid actors in the Kannada film industry. Leaders, industry stalwarts offer condolences.

Puneeth Rajkumar’s body to be kept at Kantheerava stadium for public viewing. Bengaluru Urban DC Manjunath, police commissioner Kamal Pant, BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta overseeing preparations.

Tried massaging his heart for nearly three hours, says Puneeth’s doctor

“For nearly three hours, we tried massaging his heart. Since he suffered a massive heart attack, we could not revive him. There was no response to cardiac resuscitation,” said Dr Ranganath Nayak, HOD, Cardiology, Vikram Hospital (a unit of Manipal Hospital) while addressing the media outside Vikram Hospital.

Karnataka Governor calls Puneeth’s demise ‘an unbearable loss to the state’

It is sad to hear about the demise of Shri Puneeth Raj Kumar, the superstar of Kannada cinema. It is an unbearable loss to his family, Kannada cinema & the state. My condolences to his family members. I pray God to give enough strength to his family. May his souls rest in peace: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot

Karnataka CM mourns Puneeth Rajkumar’s death

Shocked and deeply saddened as Karnataka’s most loved superstar Puneeth Rajkumaris 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: Bommai

PM Modi says ” Fate takes curious turns, this was not the time to go”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of Sandalwood veteran actor Puneet Rajkumar. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared a photo of Puneet Rajkumar with his wife at an airport, has captured the talented actor Puneet Raj Kumar. 

This is not a dying age. Punit will be remembered for generations to come. They have done such wonderful things. Truly theirs is a wonderful personality. May his family find the strength to endure the pain of Puneet’s death. Narendra Modi tweeted ‘Om Shanti

Kindest and simplest person I’ve met: Sanjay Dutt on Puneeth Rajkumar’s demise

You were the kindest and the simplest person I’ve met. The world has lost another gem. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. Om Shanti: Sanjay Dutt