One of the biggest names in the Kannada film industry, Puneeth Rajkumar will always be remembered for his incredible contribution. The iconic actor was renowned by the nickname, ‘Appu’. Apart from working as an actor, he also tried his hand at singing and worked as a television presenter and producer. Puneeth was the son of legendary actor, Dr. Rajkumar and famous producer, Dr. Parvathamma Rajkumar. The weight of his parents’ legacy was on his shoulders right from the beginning, but he had successfully managed to take his family’s legacy to a whole new level.
Best movies of Puneeth Rajkumar’s illustrious acting career
Puneeth Rajkumar made his acting debut as a leading man in the film, Appu (2002), which was directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker, Puri Jagannadh. Puneeth had worked as a lead in 32 films in a career spanning three decades. However, some of the best movies of Puneeth Rajkumar’s career are the likes of Raajakumara, Milana, Arasu, Hudugaru, Chkravyuha, Abhi, Bettada Hoovu, Prithvi, Vamshi and Mythri. Before making his debut as a leading man, Puneeth had featured in many films as a child actor. However, it was his performance in the film, Bettada Hoovu for which he received the National Award for Best Child Artist.
Recommended Read: Kannada Actor, Late Puneeth Rajkumar’s Abode Reflects His Love For Aristocratic Designs And Colours
Puneeth Rajkumar died due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 46
It was on October 29, 2021, when one of the biggest actors in the country, Puneeth Rajkumar broke the hearts of his billion followers after he left for his heavenly abode. The actor complained about uneasiness and was taken straight to the hospital. However, on his way to the hospital, Puneeth passed away. The actor was just 46, and so many directors and producers were lined up to work with him, but everything came crashing down for everyone. The date, October 29, 2021, was termed as a dark day not just in the Kannada film industry but in the Indian cinema as a whole.
Punneth Rajkumar’s wife, Ashwini Rajkumar and their daughters, Vanditha Rajkumar and Drithi Rajkumar
For the unversed, it was on December 1, 1999, when Puneeth Rajkumar got married to Ashwini Revanth. The couple met through their common friends, and they took the plunge after dating each other for some time. Puneeth and Ashwini welcomed two daughters, Vanditha and Drithi, into their lives.
When the news of Puneeth Rajkumar’s sudden demise made its way into the news, everyone was concerned about the future of his wife and kids. If the reports are to be believed, while Vanditha is between 20-21, Drithi’s age falls somewhere between 21-23.
Puneeth Rajkumar left Rs. 187 crores for his wife, Ashwini Rajkumar and their daughters, Vanditha and Drithi.
There’s no denying that it will be hard for Ashwini and her two daughters to live the rest of their lives with the memories of their husband and father. However, in terms of financial stability, Puneet Rajkumar has left an enormous wealth behind for his family. According to multiple reports, Puneeth’s net worth is around the whopping sum of Rs. 187 crores. In his illustrious career, the Kannada superstar had worked in 29 movies in a leading role, and if the reports are to be believed, he used to charge Rs. 2-3 crores per film.
You May Like This: Chiranjeevi Konidela’s Net Worth: From Luxurious Hyderabad Bungalow To A Private Jet Worth Crores
Other than his work in the films, Puneeth Rajkummar also worked with a lot of renowned and global brands during his career, and according to reports, he charged Rs. 1 crore for a single-brand endorsement. The Kannada superstar even worked in the television industry as a presenter back in 2012 for a renowned show and received Rs. 1 crore, and the amount reportedly increased almost every year until he passed away in 2021.
The late legendary actor, Puneeth Rajkummar, worked tirelessly for almost 3 decades so that he could give a comfortable life to his family. However, there’s no doubt that no amount of financial stability will ease the pain of his demise. The actor will be missed by his wife and daughters every single day of their lives. It’s impossible to imagine the pain and suffering that they must be going through.
Kannada superstar, Puneeth Rajkumar donated his eyes, which helped four people gain vision in their lives
When the news of Puneeth Rajkummar’s demise flashed on people’s television screens and smartphones, it broke everyone’s hearts, but within a few hours, the actor’s ultimate sacrifice made everyone proud. According to the doctors in Narayana Nethralaya hospital in Bengaluru, Puneeth donated his eyes, which helped four people gain vision on the very same day of its demise. As per the doctors, a special surgery took place through which Puneeth’s retina was cut into four slices. The beautiful gesture of donating his eyes by the late actor spread the important message of organ donation nationwide.
Don’t Miss: ‘KGF’ star, Yash’s Struggle Story: Left Home With 300 Rupees To Become An Actor, Served Tea And More
10 fans died after hearing about Puneeth Rajkummar’s demise
There’s a reason why almost 30 lakh people attended Puneeth Rajkumar’s antim darshan yatra, and IPC Section 144 was imposed in Bengaluru for two days after the actor’s sudden demise. The liquor shops were closed for two days concerning the iconic actor’s demise. Not only this, if the reports are to be believed, ten people died after hearing the news of Puneeth Rajkummar’s demise. He was more than just a movie star; people’s love and madness for him are beyond words. Even after his death, Puneeth’s faithful fans always remember him in their prayers.
Puneeth Rajkumar’s last film, Gandhada Gudi released on OTT on his 48th birth anniversary
The iconic Kannada superstar, Puneeth Rajkummar’s last movie, Gandhada Gudi was released in theatres on the late actor’s 47th birth anniversary and received a tremendous response from the audience. A year later, on March 17, 2023, when the entire nation remembered the superstar on his 48th birth anniversary, the makers of the film released it on the renowned OTT platform, Amazon Prime Video. The film is directed by Amoghavarsha in which Puneeth explores the marvels of his homeland.
The Kannada superstar will always be renowned for his humility and modesty for generations to come, as he was and will always be one of the most prominent actors in the history of Indian cinema.
Also Read: When Puneeth Rajkumar Shared His Response On Being Told About Having His Father, Rajkumar’s Traits