Thousands of fans gathered at the ghat of Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar on Wednesday to pay tribute to him on the occasion of his fourth death anniversary at the Kanteerava Studio premises in Bengaluru. Fans arranged for free food distribution throughout the day and also organized eye donation and blood donation camps in memory of their beloved star.
Puneeth Rajkumar, fondly known as "Appu," was one of the most beloved and celebrated actors in the Kannada film industry. Born on March 17, 1975, he was the youngest son of the legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar. Starting his career as a child artist, Puneeth won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in 'Bettada Hoovu' (1985). He made his debut as a lead actor with 'Appu' (2002), which was a massive hit and earned him his popular nickname.
Fans from across the state paid their respects to Puneeth, with many visiting the samadhi of his father, Dr. Rajkumar, located within the same premises. The event was attended by Puneeth's family members, including his wife Ashwini, brothers Raghavendra Rajkumar and Shivrajkumar, and other celebrities from the Kannada film industry.
Puneeth's legacy extends far beyond his films. He was known for his humility, philanthropy, and deep connection with his fans. His contributions to Kannada cinema, culture, and philanthropy have earned him a place among the state's greatest icons. In recognition of his achievements and influence, he was posthumously conferred the Karnataka Ratna, the state's highest civilian honor.