Condolences Pour in from Fans After Indian Actor Puneeth Rajkumar Dies Following Cardiac Arrest

Actor Puneeth Rajkumar – also known as "Appu" and "Powerstar" – was highly respected in the Kannada-language film industry in the Indian state of Karnataka. He was also a singer, television presenter, and producer who played the lead role in dozens of films.

The death of 46-year-old Puneeth Rajkumar following a cardiac arrest on Friday has shaken India's film industry.

The Kannada cinema actor is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and two daughters, Vanditha and Drithi.

Rajkumar was reportedly working out in his gym when he suddenly collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

Scores of fans gathered outside his house and the hospital in Bengaluru city where the actor was receiving treatment in intensive care, while several celebrities and fellow actors wished him well.

Due to the commotion, the Karnataka government has urged people to remain calm, deployed police officers to Rajkumar's residence, and closed cinemas.

Fans of #Appu #PuneethRajkumar gathered outside Vikram hospital in Bengaluru. Karnataka CM @BSBommai expected to make a statement soon on the health condition of #Kannada #Superstar @PuneethRajkumar @TOIBengaluru @chethan18 #getwellsoon pic.twitter.com/Bflo8XB0EC

— Petlee Peter (@petleepeter) October 29, 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his condolences to the actor's family, describing him as "prolific."

A cruel twist of fate has snatched away from us a prolific and talented actor, Puneeth Rajkumar. This was no age to go. The coming generations will remember him fondly for his works and wonderful personality. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/ofcNpnMmW3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2021

Scores of celebrities, politicians, and fans have flooded social media with comments, with many describing Rajkumar as a "powerhouse" of Kannada-language cinema.

This hurts so much! Rest in peace superstar! May the family, friends and the millions of fans have the strength to tide through this sorrow! #PuneethRajkumar 🙏 pic.twitter.com/45EltouKWw

— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) October 29, 2021

Apart from the shocking tragedy that @PuneethRajkumar ‘s sudden death is, it is also a scary and terrifying eye opening truth that any of us can die anytime 😳😳😳 So it is best to live life on a fast forward mode , while we are still alive🙏🙏🙏

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 29, 2021

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!

— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) October 29, 2021

Shocked to learn of Puneeth Rajkumar's passing. His untimely demise is a huge loss for the Kannada film industry. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/drL4BOMLR4

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 29, 2021

Shocking and Heart breaking to know that Puneeth is no more. It is a huge loss for the film fraternity. My deepest condolences to Puneeth's family and loved ones.

RIP #PuneethRajkumar pic.twitter.com/Rx8smL9NtW

— Mammootty (@mammukka) October 29, 2021

Deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden demise of Indian actor #PuneethRajkumar! Everybody always had something nice to say about him. Both, as an actor and as a person! It must be so so tough for his family and fans to deal with this loss. Prayers and Om Shanti!! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/k4SSEHSoNb

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 29, 2021

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 pic.twitter.com/YuP08U2t8E

— Boney Kapoor (@BoneyKapoor) October 29, 2021

💔💔💔 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. #RIP #PuneethRajKumar #Gentleman #actor #loss #cannotunderstand #soyoung pic.twitter.com/U8RyOJdFMu

— dulquer salmaan (@dulQuer) October 29, 2021

It aches beyond words could ever express. Puneeth 💔 #PuneethRajkumar pic.twitter.com/t3sSeOh52W

— Parvathy Thiruvothu (@parvatweets) October 29, 2021

The actor was one of the highest paid stars in Kannada cinema, and was first cast in one of his director father's films called "Premada Kanike" in 1976. As a child, he appeared in over two dozen movies and received the coveted National Film Award for his part in "Bettada Hoovu" in 1985 at the age of ten.

Rajkumar's first lead role came in 2002 with "Appu," which was a blockbuster hit. He went on to star in many hit movies in Kannada cinema including "Arasu," "Milana," and "Vamshi."