Puneeth Rajkumar
Thousands pay tribute to Kannada star Puneeth Rajkumar at Bengaluru stadium
Bengaluru/IBNS: A sea of grieving fans poured into Bengaluru's Kanteerava Stadium on Friday to pay last respects to Kannada star and celebrity television host Puneeth Rajkumar, whose death at 46 following a heart attack sent shockwaves across the nation.
His last rites will be performed with full state honours and the family will decide when it will happen, reports said.
Videos showed the stadium packed wall-to-wall with thousands of fans.
Kannada filmstar "Appu" Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday after suffering a massive heart attack, a hospital here said.
The 46-year-old actor was taken to Vikram hospital in Bengaluru at 11.30 am and immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.
A huge crowd gathered outside the hospital waiting for the medical bulletin, and loud wails could be heard through the city as the announcement was made that the Sandalwood actor was no more.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the death of Puneeth Rajkumar and said the cruel twist of fate has snatched away his life.
"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," Modi tweeted.
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
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was among the first to condole the death.
"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." he tweeted," the chief minister said.
Bommai said the actor was supposed to meet him on Friday to plan Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 1.
Shocked and deeply saddened as Karnataka's most loved superstar #PuneetRajkumar is no longer with us.
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) October 29, 2021
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.#OmShanti pic.twitter.com/QpF63vKvIO
Several other famous personalities took to Twitter to pay tributes to the actor.
Deeply shocked and appalled to hear about the sudden demise of Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar who is also the son of late legendary Kannada star Rajkumar avargal. Both our families share a cordial bond for many decades. Thus, it's a personal loss to me. pic.twitter.com/AFXqF34L6z
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 29, 2021
Deeply shocked and appalled to hear about the sudden demise of Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar who is also the son of late legendary Kannada star Rajkumar avargal. Both our families share a cordial bond for many decades. Thus, it's a personal loss to me. pic.twitter.com/AFXqF34L6z
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 29, 2021
The demise of my dear younger brother Puneeth Rajkumar was most unexpected.We were mutually very fond of each other. My deepest sympathy to his family and his fans in Karnataka.(1/2)#PuneethRajkumar
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 29, 2021
Anguished by the untimely demise of noted Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar. After starting his career as a child artiste, he made a mark as a phenomenal actor, playback singer, TV presenter and producer. Indeed, he was a man of many talents. #PuneethRajkumar pic.twitter.com/VXVI55JzRR
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 29, 2021
The loss of Puneeth Rajkumar has come as a terrible shock. I still find the news hard to believe. It feels as though I have lost a younger brother. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family with whom I share a close bond. I wish them strength & comfort to cope with this loss. pic.twitter.com/x8GDRNPx7d
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) October 29, 2021
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