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Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar dies of heart attack at 46
Leading Kannada actor, Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of Kannada cinema’s biggest star Dr Rajkumar, died of a heart attack on Friday
Leading Kannada actor, Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of Kannada cinema’s biggest star Dr Rajkumar, died of a heart attack on Friday. The actor suffered a heart attack while working out in a gym on Friday morning and was later admitted to the hospital.
“This morning, he (Puneeth) went to the gym for two hours and got some chest pain. He then went to the family doctor where an ECG was done and confirmed that it was a heart attack,” a doctor from the hospital said on condition of anonymity.
The doctor said that Puneeth experienced chest pain at around 11 am on Friday and went to a clinic where an ECG confirmed the heart attack. Later, the actor was rushed to Manipal hospital when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The doctor said that they tried to resuscitate the actor for three hours but to no avail as it was a massive attack. The actor was non-responsive and was in cardiac asystole and advanced cardiac resuscitation was initiated, according to hospital authorities.
Puneeth Rajkumar was the youngest child of Rajkumar and Parvathamma. The family is believed to be among the most powerful in Kannada film industry. The 46 years old actor was dubbed the “power star” of Kannada cinema.
Puneeth and his brother, Shiva Rajkumar, are among the ‘A’ listed stars of Kannada cinema while another brother, a former actor, is a leading producer.
Fans, supporters and well-wishers of the actor poured onto the streets in Bengaluru, reacting to the news of his untimely demise. Celebrities, politicians and eminent personalities from across the country condoled the passing away of the celebrated actor.
Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said Puneeth, lovingly known as “Appu”, died at a very young age. Bommai said that people should behave in a peaceful manner and not lose their mental balance or resort to any untoward incident. The funeral will be conducted with all state honours, the chief minister added.
The body will be kept for public viewing in Kanteerava Stadium in central Bengaluru until Saturday where fans can view the mortal remains of the actor.
Bommai said that he was supposed to meet Puneeth Rajkumar on Friday to launch the latter’s website.
Puneeth Rajkumar provided 18 consecutive super hit films, according to movie ratings website, IMDB, making him one of the most bankable stars in the Kannada industry.
He also penned a biography of his father “The Person behind the Personality” which was published in 2012.
“Appu, you cannot leave us so shattered. You are a gem I have known. I am not able to take this news. Don’t go Appu.. come back..pls come back. Pls. #RIP #PuneethRajkumar,” Khusboo Sundar, popular actress and politician said on Twitter.
“Deeply shocked by the demise of talented actor #PowerStar #PuneethRajkumar. He had won the hearts of Kannadigas through his great acting skills & his simplicity. His passing away is a great loss for Karnataka,” senior Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted.
