Picture : Twitter / ANI
Thousands of grieving fans continue to flock the city’s Kanteerava stadium to pay their final respects to Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar, whose last rites is likely to be performed this evening.
Considered as the Kannada cinema’s reigning star, Puneeth, youngest of the five children of thespian and matinee idol Dr Rajkumar passed away at the age of 46, after suffering a cardiac arrest on Friday.
Following in the footsteps of his father Rajkumar, the family has donated Puneeth’s eyes.
Bengaluru | Long queue of fans at Kanteerava Stadium to pay last respects to Kannada actor #PuneethRajkumar who passed away yesterday pic.twitter.com/Z60E3A6hXi
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2021
Mortal remains of the actor, wrapped in the national tri-colour have been kept at the stadium to enable fans and well-wishers to pay their respects all day on Saturday. A steady stream of people from across the state have been pouring into the stadium since last evening.
Several film and political personalities have also paid their respects to the departed soul.
#WATCH Fans in large numbers pay last respects to #PuneethRajkumar at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/XDMszFWc36
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2021
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accompanied by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other ministers of the state cabinet were among those who paid their respects today.
“The feeling is like losing a son of our house,” a tearful elderly woman fan said.
“Our Appu (as Puneeth is fondly called by fans) might have physically gone, but he will remain with us through his acting and the impact he has left on us because of his good and friendly nature,” a young fan said.
The state government has announced that Puneeth’s last rites will be conducted with state honours at Dr Rajkumar Punyabhoomi in Kanteerava studio, next to his father and mother.
According to sources, Puneeth Rajkumar’s daughter is abroad and is expected to reach the city by Saturday evening, following which last rites will be held, as per the family’s wishes.
The mortal remains will be taken in a procession from Kanteerava stadium at about 3 pm to Kanteerava studio, where the last rites will be performed.
The late actor is survived by wife Ashwini Revanth and daughters Drithi and Vanditha.
Tributes for the actor poured in on Twitter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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
M K Stalin, Chief Minister Tamil Nadu
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
Shashi Tharoor, Senior Congress Leader
The dynamic Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar left the world too early at 46, but left a living legacy — his own eyes, just as his father had done before him.https://t.co/Mkwp7DMPrS
My heartfelt admiration, along with condolences, to his family.— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 30, 2021
Mahesh Babu, Actor
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 ?
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) October 29, 2021
Tejasvi Surya, BJP Leader
So hard to believe that #PuneetRajkumar is no more.
This was at Bengaluru airport just a few weeks ago when we chatted for a long time. He was so excited on launching young actors on OTT.
More than movie star, he was Karnataka’s beloved boy next door.
Life is so fragile! pic.twitter.com/rSf0Wre8j0
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 29, 2021
Anil Kumble, Former India Skipper
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. ??
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 29, 2021
