New Delhi: Late Kannada actor Puneeth Raj Kumar will be conferred with the 'Karnataka Ratna' award, the highest civilian award of the Government of Karnataka, on November 1 in Bengaluru.
Disclosing this to reporters on Wednesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, so far, eight persons have been honoured with this award, but it had not been given to anybody since 2009. This was decided at a meeting with the ministers, senior officials, and family members of Puneeth Raj Kumar.
The CM said this award is given in recognition of the contribution of Puneeth Raj Kumar to the Kannada film field, Kannada language, and culture.
"Puneeth Raj Kumar is a real Karnataka Ratna as he has remained in the hearts of people permanently through his achievements during his life. He must always be the source of inspiration for youths and for this purpose this award will be given to him posthumously," Bommai said.
The award presentation function will take place at Vidhana Soudha on November 1 at 5 p.m.
The function will be attended by noted litterateurs, film personalities, MLAs' and achievers.
Asked about the demand from Puneeth's fans to hold functions on a big scale to pay tributes to the late actor, Bommai said after the November 1 function, three more functions will be held in different parts of Bengaluru in a 10-day programme.
Earlier on October 9, Puneeth’s last film Gandhada Gudi’s trailer was released. 'Gandhada Gudi' is a docudrama exploring the wildlife of Karnataka and is slated to release in cinemas on October 28, a day ahead of the actor's first death anniversary.
Directed by Amoghavarsha, the docudrama features Puneeth and the filmmaker.
The trailer shows breathtaking views of Karnataka, including underwater life, tribals, forests, streams, and lesser-known islands. The docudrama will release in Kannada, Hindi and English.
Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021, after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 46 years old.
(With inputs from IANS)