In 2022, Puneeth Rajkumar was bestowed with the “Karnataka Ratna” award on the Karnataka Rajyotsava day posthumously.
Published Oct 29, 2024 | 4:08 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 29, 2024 | 4:08 PM
Puneeth Rajkumar. (X)
Tuesday, 29 October marks the third death anniversary of Puneeth Rajkumar, a superstar of the Kannada film industry.
Three years back the actor had a sudden death due to cardiac arrest. His untimely death at 46 years shocked his fans and family, whose lives the actor has influenced greatly.
Lovingly called by his fans as Appu—a name he got after playing the lead role in his debut film Appu (2002)— Puneeth Rajkumar gave several memorable movies to Kannada cinema, including Abhi, Veera Kannadiga, Rana Vikrama and Raajakumara.
While he debuted as a lead actor in 2002, Puneeth started his acting career at a very young age and won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role of Ramu in Bettada Hoovu.
In 2022, Puneeth Rajkumar was bestowed with the “Karnataka Ratna” award on the Karnataka Rajyotsava day posthumously.
On his death anniversary, Puneeth’s wife Ashwini Rajkumar took to her social media, to share a heartfelt note.
The note read: “Appu lives in our memories and actions, every day of our lives and is the guiding spirit who is forever in our hearts.”
ಅಪ್ಪು ಅವರ ಸವಿನೆನಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ 3 ವರ್ಷಗಳು… ✨🙏🏼
Fondly remembering Appu on the 3rd year… #DrPuneethRajkumar #FondRemembrance #PowerInU pic.twitter.com/kerEqHFHjg— Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar (@Ashwini_PRK) October 29, 2024
According to a Times Now report, a special pooja was held at Puneeth’s Samadhi at Kanteerava Studio. The puja was attended by family members including Raghavendra Rajkumar and Ashwini Rajkumar, along with their younger daughter.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too took to X, remembering the late actor.
He wrote in Kannada: “Puneeth Raj Kumar is a household name for his simplicity, gentility and social concern beyond his acting skills. Always smiling, making those around him laugh. Even though years have passed, his ideal path of life is still green in the minds of the people.”
ಪುನೀತ್ ರಾಜ್ಕುಮಾರ್ ನಟನಾ ಕೌಶಲವನ್ನು ಮೀರಿ ಸರಳತೆ, ಸಜ್ಜನಿಕೆ, ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಕಳಕಳಿಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ನಾಡಿನ ಮನೆಮಗನಾದವರು. ಸದಾ ನಗುತ್ತಾ, ಸುತ್ತಲಿನವರನ್ನೂ ನಗಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಪರರ ಕಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಮಿಡಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಅಪರೂಪದ ಜೀವ ಅಪ್ಪು ನಮ್ಮನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಅಗಲಿ ವರ್ಷಗಳು ಕಳೆದರೂ ಅವರ ಬದುಕಿನ ಆದರ್ಶದ ಹಾದಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಜನಮಾನಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಸಿರಾಗಿದೆ. pic.twitter.com/EXGb1Tx8Mz
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 29, 2024
Many actors and other film personalities also remembered the late actor on his death anniversary.
(Edited by Sumavarsha kandula)
