Bengaluru: Hadn’t fate played its cruel game, Kannada actor late Puneeth Rajkumar would be celebrating his 47th birthday with fans and friends on Thursday March 17. His last movie, ‘James’ release marked the special day even as public and celebrities paid their tributes to the superstar of Kannada filmdom.
“Our most loved Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar’s life, his public conduct, helping nature towards the poor is exemplary and inspiring,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
Speaking to media persons, CM Bommai said, “we should remember his huge achievements and good work at such a young age. We would have been celebrating his 47th Birthday today if he was alive. His life is an inspiration to us though we all are in grief after losing him.”
Warm greetings to our beloved Appu, Late #PuneethRajkumar on his Birthday. Entered film industry as a child star & soon became a colossus in the Kannada Cinema.
Your life span was short but achievements eternal. You will always remain heart throb of an entire generation Appu. pic.twitter.com/m6fzsntaiG
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) March 17, 2022
The Chief Minister wished all the success for Puneeth starrer ‘James’ which hit the screens on Thursday.
The date to present the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ award to Puneeth posthumously would be decided in consultation with his family members. A committee would be constituted to organise the award presentation function in a manner befitting the honour of Puneeth and Dr. Rajkumar, CM Bommai said.
Minister of Higher Education Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan attended a function organised by BJP leader and film producer K. Suresh Gowda to celebrate Puneeth Rajkumar’s 47th birthday in the Kempegowda playground and Sangolli Rayanna Park in Subramanya Nagar, Malleswaram.
The Minister cut the cake and handed out sweets and breakfast to approximately 3,000 people.
Minister of State for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh R. Niarani tweeted a message on Puneeth Rajkumar’s 47th birthday, describing the actor as a “beacon light” of Kannada cinema.
Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021. The youngest son of Kannada matinee idol Late Dr. Rajkumar, was a versatile personality who excelled on the big and small screens. He was known for his philanthropy.
Several film personalities from the south Indian film industry took to social media on Thursday to express their love and tributes to Puneeth Rajkumar. They include Mohanlal, Sarath Kumar, Sai Dharam Teja and others.
