Puneeth was the son of Kannada superstar Rajkumar, also got the National Award
Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan kidnapped Rajkumar in 2000
Kannada film actor Puneeth Rajkumar has died of a heart attack while working out at the gym. Soon after the heart attack, 46-year-old Puneet was admitted to Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru. There is a wave of mourning in the whole of Karnataka due to his death. All theaters are being closed in the state. Section 144 has been implemented in many areas to control the fans. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai also reached the hospital.
DCP Central said that the body of Puneet Rajkumar will be kept at Kanteerva Stadium for public viewing. As a precaution, the sale of liquor has been banned in Bengaluru for two nights. Intensive patrolling is being done to ensure that no untoward incident occurs.
Puneet's father Rajkumar was an icon of South Indian cinema. He was the first actor in the Kannada film industry to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He was kidnapped from Tamil Nadu in July 2000 by sandalwood smuggler Veerappan. Puneet started his career as a child artist, he was also honored with National Award.
Puneeth was Nandini's brand ambassador for the Karnataka Milk Federation. He did not charge any fee from the Milk Federation for this. IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore made him their brand ambassador.
PM Modi also expressed grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed grief by tweeting on the death of Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai expressed grief
I am deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Kannada star Shri Puneeth Raj Kumar. This is shocking for Kannada film industries and all the people of Karnataka are saddened by it. I pray to God to give his soul a place at his feet and give strength to those who love Raj Kumar to bear this loss.