Bengaluru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced a tax-exemption for Puneeth Rajkumar’s Kannada movie, ‘Gandhadha Gudi’ which is based on the protection and conservation of flora and fauna.
Speaking to mediapersons on Friday October 21 before Puneetha Parva, the pre-release event of ‘Gandhadha Gudi’, the CM said he is very happy to participate in this function as it gives an impression that ‘Appu’ is still with us. People across the State, from Kollegala to Bidar, in every village, still have a photo of Puneeth Raj Kumar in their villages to show their love and affection for him. It is hard to believe that he is not with us. The amount of love and affection that Puneeth had won from the people is remarkable and that is only possible because of the blessings of God, he noted.
Bommai said Puneeth Raj Kumar had been popular as a child artist and acted in several movies. But his works in the Kannada film field subsequently made him remain in the hearts of millions of people. “For all of us, Appu is alive.”
The CM added that ‘Karnataka Ratna’, the highest civilian award of the Government of Karnataka, will be presented posthumously to Puneeth Raj Kumar in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on November 1. He must always be the source of inspiration for youth and for this purpose this award will be given to him posthumously. The presentation of the award will take place on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha on November 1 at 5.00 pm. After November 1 function, three more functions will be held in different parts of the City.