Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai condoled the death of Karnataka’s “most loved superstar” and announced that state honours would be accorded during the actor’s funeral. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to mourn the untimely death of the Kannada film star. “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,” the PM tweeted.
Kannada star actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday (October 29) after he suffered a major heart attack. The actor was admitted to Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru in the morning and was in the ICU. Fans had gathered outside and wished for the actor’s speedy recovery, however, he succumbed to cardiac arrest. A statement from the Vikram hospital read, “Mr. Puneeth Rajkumar aged 46 years was brought to the emergency department of Vikram Hospital with a history of chest pain at 11:40 am, he was non-responsive and was in Cardiac Asystole and Advanced cardiac resuscitation has been initiated.”
Superstar Mohanlal, who shares a close rapport with the late actor’s family, still finds it “hard to believe”: “The loss of Puneeth Rajkumar has come as a terrible shock. I still find the news hard to believe. It feels as though I have lost a younger brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family with whom I share a close bond. I wish them strength and comfort to cope with this loss.”
Mourning Puneeth Rajkumar, Mahesh Babu 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.”
