Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passes away; Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, Prithviraj, Sonu Sood mourn demise

Bengaluru: 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 rushed to the Vikram hospital in Bengaluru at 11.30 am and immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Emerging out of Vikram Hospital, KPCC President and Congress leader DK Shivakumar condoled his death by saying that he was deeply shocked at the death of his good friend.

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.

South superstar Mahesh Babu also tweeted he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Puneeth's demise. "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."

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

"Condolences on the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead. My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers," tweeted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Condolences on the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead.
My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers. pic.twitter.com/8Gv4G4vrnz

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 29, 2021

"You are a prince, Om Shanti Shanti," BJP General Secretary BL Santosh tweeted.

Mourning the loss of Puneeth, Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor tweeted: "Deeply shocked to know of the sudden demise of @PuneethRajkumar. A powerful actor who won the hearts of people with his incredible body of work. Condolences to the family #RIP #Gonetoosoon #PuneethRajkumar."

Deeply shocked to know of the sudden demise of @PuneethRajkumar A powerful actor who won the hearts of people with his incredible body of work. Condolences to the family #RIP #Gonetoosoon #PuneethRajkumar pic.twitter.com/YuP08U2t8E

— Boney Kapoor (@BoneyKapoor) October 29, 2021

South actor Prithviraj Sukumaran tweeted: "This hurts so much! Rest in peace superstar! May the family, friends and the millions of fans have the strength to tide through this sorrow!"

This hurts so much! Rest in peace superstar! May the family, friends and the millions of fans have the strength to tide through this sorrow! #PuneethRajkumar pic.twitter.com/45EltouKWw

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) October 29, 2021

Check out other tweets:

Heartbreaking news! Gone too soon. #PuneethRajkumar
My condolences to his family and his fans. You will be missed.

— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) October 29, 2021

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 pic.twitter.com/T3WsUnBS7n

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 29, 2021

Cannot believe what I’m hearing Life is so unpredictable. Such a big loss for Indian Cinema. Sending out loads of love and light to his family and loved ones in these difficult times. R.I.P Puneeth Rajkumar.

— Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja) October 29, 2021

Shocking ,devastating & heartbreaking! #PuneethRajkumar gone too soon.
Rest in Peace! My deepest sympathies and tearful condolences to the family. A huge loss to the Kannada / Indian film fraternity as a whole.Strength to all to cope with this tragic loss!

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) October 29, 2021

Saddened to hear about the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar . Warm , and humble, his passing away is a great blow to Indian cinema. May his soul attain sadgati. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YywkotiWqC

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 29, 2021

One of the kindest and warmest Actors/gentlemen. Praying to the almighty to give Puneeth Sirs family, friends and his ocean of fans the strength to cope with this irreplaceable loss. #RIP #PuneethRajKumar #Gentleman #actor #loss #cannotunderstand #soyoung pic.twitter.com/U8RyOJdFMu

— dulquer salmaan (@dulQuer) October 29, 2021

Heartbroken
Will always miss you my brother. #PuneethRajkumar

— sonu sood (@SonuSood) October 29, 2021

Earlier, Ranganath Naik, a doctor at Vikarm Hosiptal said the actor was rushed to the hospital in a very serious condition after suffering a massive heart attack.

Known to his fans as Appu, Puneeth was the youngest son of Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar.

Puneeth acted as hero in more than 29 Kannada films including "Appu", "Abhi", "Veera Kannadiga", "Mourya", "Aakash", "Ajay", and "Arasu".

The actor began his career as a child artist and has won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in Bettada Hoovu in 1985.

He won the Karnataka State Award for Best Child Artist for his performances in "Chalisuva Modagalu" and "Yeradu Nakshatragalu". (UNI)