07/11/2021
*Tribute to Appu*
It's been more than a week since Puneeth Rajkumar, the 46-year-old actor, known for films such as “Appu”, "Veera Kannadiga" and “Maurya", died in a hospital following a massive heart attack. But the grief persists and words fail. Like a blazing comet, he illuminated the film fraternity!
Born in Chennai, as a child he was known as Lohith. He was the youngest of Rajkumar's three sons. Many people are unaware that Puneeth made his first appearance on screen when he was only six months. Being a talented singer, he recorded his debut song at age of 6.
Fondly called ‘Appu’ and ‘Power Star’, the actor began to carry forward his father’s legacy and filmmakers were quick to tap into the phenomenon as soon as he became a lead actor.
Puneeth was also a popular celebrity host on television. He hosted the first two seasons of "Kannada Kotyadhipati", the Kannada version of Amitabh Bachchan's KBC.
A true philanthropist at heart, over the years, Puneeth endorsed the Right to Education (RTE), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Nandini milk, election franchise (right to vote) among other social initiatives. He was always available for all government initiatives and awareness campaigns for which he never charged a single penny.
Puneeth's untimely passing has certainly created a void in the Kannada film industry (aka Sandalwood) , and it takes time for this wound to be healed. You will certainly be missed, Appu.
Source: Deccan Herald
