Puneeth Rajkumar, 46, one of the marquee names of Kannada film industry and the youngest of the five children of matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar passed away on October 29 after suffering cardiac arrest in the morning. Revenue Minister R. Ashok announced the demise of the actor at Vikram Hospital, Bengaluru. Puneeth Rajkumar is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and two daughters Drithi and Vanditha.
Dr. Ranganath Naik of Vikram Hospital said, “Puneeth Rajkumar complained of chest pain in the morning and was rushed to the private clinic of his family physician where an ECG test was done. It showed a heart attack and he was immediately rushed to Vikram Hospital. When he was brought to the hospital, there was no cardiac activity. We put him on a ventilator and tried to revive him, but all efforts failed.”
Mr. Ashok said the last rites of the actor will be performed on October 30, and the details will be finalised after discussions with the family. He appealed to the actor’s fans not to become emotional and maintain peace. His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Kanteerava Stadium.
Fellow actors Darshan, Ravichandran and Yash, filmmaker Yograj Bhat and politicians, including former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, were among those who visited the hospital.
KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, who is a neighbour of the Rajkumar family, said Puneeth was wholly invested in films and a few hobbies. He did not succumb to efforts to draw him towards politics.
Condolences continue to pour in for the death of Puneeth Rajkumar
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said despite all attempts to revive the actor, he couldn't be saved. "His family and the entire state is sad today. He achieved a lot at a young age. He even called me yesterday and today we were supposed to meet to discuss the launch of the website for November 1 (Karnataka Rajyotsava)," he said.
Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) Tweeted: "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."
Condoling the death of Puneet Rajkumar, State BJP President and Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel said the actor's untimely death has shocked people at large. While asking God to give strength to family members and fans to bear with the loss, Mr. Kateel asked people to maintain peace during this time of grief.
An emotional Raghavendra Rajkumar told media, "He ensured that a pacemaker was put for me so that I could live longer. But he went before me. He has left behind a huge responsibility on me."
Former CM B. S. Yediyurappa also said the passing of the actor was unfortunate. "He was a well loved actor who started acting at a young age," he said.
Sonu Sood tweeted "Heartbroken Will always miss you my brother. #PuneethRajkumar"
Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) Tweeted: Shocked and deeply saddened on the passing of #PuneethRajkumar the film industry has lost a gem. One of the finest human being I’ve met. So vibrant and humble.Gone too soon. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable fans
Cricketer Venkaesh Prasad tweeted "Extremely sad to know of the passing away of our dear #PuneethRajkumar . My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. I request his fans to maintain calm and pray for his Sadgati in this excruciating time for the family. Om Shanti."
Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) Tweeted: "Shocked to hear #PuneethRajkumar is no more.. life is so unpredictable . Condolences to family and friends .. waheguru"
