Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passes away due to cardiac arrest

Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar passed away after suffering cardiac arrest on Friday. He was 46. The actor was taken to Vikram hospital in Bengaluru at 11.30 AM today. He was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to a statement issued by Vikram Hospital, Rajkumar was non-responsive when brought in and was in cardiac asystole.

The news was confirmed by Sathish, the personal manager of Puneeth, and other sources related to the actor.

Puneeth’s first leading role came opposite Rakshita in Appu (2002), a highly successful romantic drama directed by Puri Jagannadh. He won the Filmfare Award for his performance in Arasu and the Karnataka State Film Award for Milana (2007).

In 2012, he made his television debut by hosting Kannadada Kotyadhipati, the Kannada version of the quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

The demise of Puneeth has taken the entire South Indian film industry by shock as the actor was very recently seen promoting Shivarajkumar’s Bajrangi 2. Celebrities have taken to social media to share tributes.

Actor R Madhavan has paid a heartfelt tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar on Twitter. Remembering him as the “kindest” and “nicest” soul, Madhavan tweeted, “I don’ know what I am feeling. I am feeling so devastated. Brother you have left us very confused and heartbroken. The heavens are brighter today. I am still hoping this is not true.”

Actor Siddharth expressed grief over Puneeth Rajkumar’s untimely demise. “I cannot process this. Cannot believe you’ve left us Puneeth. Kind, gifted, fearless…so much to give to the world. This is not fair brother. Heartbroken,” the Rang De Basanti actor tweeted.

South superstar Mahesh Babu on Friday tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar’s tragic demise. He tweeted, “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.”