Remembering Puneeth Rajkumar: Celebs and fans pen tributes to the late Power Star

On October 29 last year, Kannada cinema lovers were eagerly looking forward to the release of Shiva Rajkumar’s Bhajarangi 2 in theatres. The actor’s brother, Puneeth Rajkumar, had tweeted his wishes to the team and headed out, as usual, for his morning workout. On that fateful day, though, everything went south at the gym. Considered one of the fittest and most health-conscious actors of his generation, Puneeth felt uneasy during his routine. There were unconfirmed rumours that he’d fainted and fallen down at the gym. He consulted his family doctor and was on his way to seek further attention at Vikram hospital, when he collapsed and never woke up again. At only 46 years of age, Appu, as Puneeth was fondly known, succumbed to a massive cardiac arrest. The last visuals of him that the world saw was from the CCTV camera at his house, as he walked to get into his car to head to the hospital.

Today, fans of the late Power Star observe his first death anniversary. It’s a moment filled with immense sadness. Celebrities and fans have been posting their selfies with the late actor, among others, since morning.

“A day to reminisce about Puneeth Rajkumar, our beloved Appu who left us this day one year back. His death has left a deep void in Kannada cinema. A multi faceted personality, he was a wonderful actor, playback singer, television presenter & producer. In our hearts forever Appu!” wrote CM Basavaraj S Bommai.

Activist and columnist Sudheendra Kulkarni tweeted, “I can think of no film star in contemporary India - and perhaps in the world - who is remembered with so much affection by common people as #PuneethRajkumar in Karnataka. One year after his sudden passing, he remains a beloved icon of Kannadigas…almost as popular as his father.”

Actress Radhikaa Sarath Kumar posted a picture of Puneeth taking a selfie with her, writing, “Remembering the sweet soul #PuneethRajkumar . In our hearts always.”

Her husband Sarath Kumar chipped in, “Appu avare, You still live in millions of hearts around the world. You live forever in everybody's mind. You are a great soul and a great human being. Always being remembered as such. I miss you a lot, Appu Avare. I miss you a lot.”