Puneeth Rajkumar’s passing on my birthday will be a constant reminder of a great loss: Hariprriya

Hariprriya was all set to take off on a quick break to celebrate her birthday on October 29, when she got news of Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar’s passing. “I have been quite busy with the shoots for my films and TV show and was looking forward to the break. In fact, we had left home and were close to Nelamangala when I got the news. There was no way that I could go on after hearing such tragic news, so we returned and I went straight to the hospital. By the time I got there, the eye donation procedure was in process. When I eventually saw him, it was heart-breaking to see him like that,” says Hariprriya.

The actress adds that although she has not done a full-fledged film with Puneeth, she was fortunate to share screen space with him in the special number 1234 Shille Hodi from Anjaniputra. “Apart from that, of course, he’d often be the chief guest at the muhurthas of my films, perform with me at events, besides also serving as celebrity guest on the dance show I have been judging along with Harsha master and Prajwal Devaraj,” says Hariprriya, adding, “The sad part is that his death on my birthday will be a constant reminder of this great loss every year.”

The birthday weekend was rather muted for the actress, who also did not have any special announcements on her big day. “That’s also because I have not signed up for anything new. In the past few months, I have been busy with Thaayi Kastoor Gandhi, Lagaam, the Evaru remake and my Tamil comeback film with Sasikumar. There have been discussions for new projects, but nothing has been finalized, although a few seem promising. I want to finish my current commitments before I take up something new,” she signs off.