Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passes away; Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, Prithviraj, Sonu Sood mourn demise

Bengaluru: Kannada filmstar "Appu" Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday after suffering a massive heart attack, a hospital here said.

The 46-year-old actor was rushed to the Vikram hospital in Bengaluru at 11.30 am and immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Emerging out of Vikram Hospital, KPCC President and Congress leader DK Shivakumar condoled his death by saying that he was deeply shocked at the death of his good friend.

A huge crowd gathered outside the hospital waiting for the medical bulletin, and loud wails could be heard through the city as the announcement was made that the Sandalwood actor was no more.

South superstar Mahesh Babu also tweeted he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Puneeth's demise. "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."

"You are a prince, Om Shanti Shanti," BJP General Secretary BL Santosh tweeted.

Mourning the loss of Puneeth, Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor tweeted: "Deeply shocked to know of the sudden demise of @PuneethRajkumar. A powerful actor who won the hearts of people with his incredible body of work. Condolences to the family #RIP #Gonetoosoon #PuneethRajkumar."

Earlier, Ranganath Naik, a doctor at Vikarm Hosiptal said the actor was rushed to the hospital in a very serious condition after suffering a massive heart attack.

Known to his fans as Appu, Puneeth was the youngest son of Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar.

Puneeth acted as hero in more than 29 Kannada films including "Appu", "Abhi", "Veera Kannadiga", "Mourya", "Aakash", "Ajay", and "Arasu".

The actor began his career as a child artist and has won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in Bettada Hoovu in 1985.

He won the Karnataka State Award for Best Child Artist for his performances in "Chalisuva Modagalu" and "Yeradu Nakshatragalu". (UNI)