Sandalwood plunges in gloom as Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passes away

In a shocking development, well known Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar today passed away after suffering a major cardiac arrest.

He was just 46.

The young Kannada actor, who was also the son of the legendary Kannada actor Rajkumar, is believed to have complained of uneasiness after his morning workout.

Sources say the actor was first taken to a nearby clinic where an ECG was taken. He was then moved to Vikram Hospital in the city. On his way to Vikram hospital, the actor is believed to have suffered a severe heart attack.

Doctors at Vikram hospital did their best to revive the actor but their efforts went in vain.

The hospital in its first official statement had said that Puneet Rajkumar, aged 46 years, was brought to the emergency department of the hospital with a history of chest pain at 11:40 this morning. He was non-responsive and was in cardiac asystole and that advanced cardiac resuscitation had been initiated.

However, an hour later, news from various celebrities from the film and sports industries confirmed that the actor had passed away.

The actor, who was last seen in the Kannada film Yuvarathnaa, had just finished shooting for Chethan Kumar’s James alongside Priya Anand. He was about to start work on another Kannada film on November 1.

The news of the Kannada superstar’s death has sent shock waves across all of south India.

Several celebrities cutting across regions, languages and professions have been sending their condolences to the family.

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood tweeted, Heartbroken! Will always miss you my brother. #PuneethRajkumar”

Actress Rakul Preet Singh tweeted, “This is shocking! At a loss for words…RIP #PuneethRajkumar! Strength and condolences to the family”

Actor Abhishek Bachchan, the son of Amitabh Bachchan, said, “Heartbreaking news! Gone too soon. #PuneethRajkumar My condolences to his family and his fans. You will be missed.”

Cricketer Anil Kumble said, “Shocked and deeply saddened on the passing of #PuneethRajkumar. The film industry has lost a gem. One of the finest human being I’ve met. So vibrant and humble.Gone too soon. Condolences to his family, friends and innumerable fans.”

Malayalam superstar Mammootty said, “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.”

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too took to Twitter to register her condolences. She tweeted,”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.”

Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad wrote, “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.”

Cricketer Robin Uthappa too took to Twitter to express his sadness. “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of #PuneethRajkumar. It comes as such a shock. My deepest condolences to his family and all his fans. May his soul rest in peace.”