Kannada Actor Puneeth Rajkumar Dies Of Heart Attack, Condolences Pour In

Venkatesh Prasad confirmed on Twitter that the 46-year-old actor has passed away

Chennai: Renowned Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday afternoon after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 46 years old. Earlier, in the day he was admitted to the Vikram hospital in Bengaluru with a chest pain complaint. According to reports, he was in the Intensive Care Unit.

He was reportedly working out in the gym when he suffered a heart attack. According to an ANI update: "Puneeth Rajkumar was brought to the emergency department at 11:40 am. He was non-responsive and was in Cardiac Asystole and Advanced cardiac resuscitation has been initiated: Vikram Hospital, Bengaluru."

Puneeth was one of the biggest stars in the Kannada film industry. He is the son of superstar Rajkumar. He won his first National Award as a child artist for his first film "Bettadu Hoovi". He made his debut as a lead artist in 2002, in a Kannada film Appu. He was last seen in Yuvaratnaa, which was released earlier this year and became one of the biggest blockbuster hits in his career.

Twitterati mourns Puneeth's demise

Taking to Twitter, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad said, "Extremely sad to know of the passing away of our dear #PuneethRajkumar . My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. I request his fans to maintain calm and pray for his Sadgati in this excruciating time for the family. Om Shanti."

Also, former Indian spinner and ex-head coach of the team India, Anil Kumble said: "Shocked and deeply saddened on the passing of #PuneethRajkumar the film industry has lost a gem. One of the finest human beings I’ve met. So vibrant and humble.Gone too soon. Condolences to his family, friends, and innumerable fans."

Actor Dulquer Salman remembers Puneeth as the kindest actor: "One of the kindest and warmest Actors/gentlemen. Praying to the almighty to give Puneeth Sirs family, friends and his ocean of fans the strength to cope with this irreplaceable loss."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Puneeth had a long promising career ahead: "Condolences on the passing away of #PuneethRajkumar. A bright star. He had a long promising career ahead. My condolences to his family, his innumerable fans and followers."

Tollywood Megastar Chiranjeevi Konidela took to Twitter to extend his condolences: "Shocking, devastating & heartbreaking! #PuneethRajkumar gone too soon. Rest in Peace! My deepest sympathies and tearful condolences to the family. A huge loss to the Kannada / Indian film fraternity as a whole.Strength to all to cope with this tragic loss!

Producer Boney Kapoor shocked after sudden demise of the Kannada actor: "Deeply shocked to know of the sudden demise of Puneeth Rajkumar A powerful actor who won the hearts of people with his incredible body of work. Condolences to the family #RIP #Gonetoosoon #PuneethRajkumar"

Superstar Mahesh Babu, actress Tammanah Bhatia, Tollywood actor Sudeep Kishan, Director duo Raj and DK were some among others to have paid tribute to actor Puneeth after his sudden demise.