Pooja Gandhi, Priya Mani, Bhavana share fond memories of late Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar

Pooja Gandhi (Milana)

Priya Mani (Raam, Anna Bond)

Priya Mani was in Dubai on a professional commitment when she got the news. “I kept hoping that it just was a bad prank and that the news was not true. But now, seeing the visuals on TV, the truth is finally sinking in. I am devastated; I made my Kannada film debut with Puneeth and he was one of my closest friends in the industry. What I loved about him was that he had no starry airs about him and had even come to my wedding and blessed us,” says Priya.

Rakshitha (Appu)

After years as a child artise, Puneeth transitioned as lead hero with Appu, opposite Rakshitha, who was also making her debut in this Puri Jagannadh film. The former actress, TV show judge and producer was in Hyderabad when she heard the news. “I just cannot believe he is no more,” she said amid bouts of tears.

Bhavana (Jackie)

“I had just seen Puneeth on the 26th when he’d come for the Bhajarangi pre-release event. When I heard the news this morning, I was devastated. Puneeth was my first hero in Kannada cinema and we share a special bond. I cannot stop crying,” she says.

“I have just come back after paying my respects; it was heartbreaking seeing Puneeth lie like that. He was always so energetic and fun loving that I just could not believe that he is gone. He was also very health conscious- and was very particular about his diet and work outs. But, most importantly, he was a genuinely good human being, so, while his passing is a big loss for the Kannada film industry, it is an even bigger loss for those who knew him,” says Pooja.