The Entire South India & more so Karnataka is mourning the tragic death of the Most Loved Superstar- actor, playback singer, television presenter & producer of Kannada Cinema –Puneeth RajKumar.
We grapple with this tragedy just before the Kannada Rajyotsava & Diwali. Appu(his first lead role in 2002 Kannada Movie of the same name became his nick name though he made his debut as a child star when he was six months old baby in the Kannada thriller film Premada Kanike in 1976), the affectionate father of two lovely Daughters Drithi & Vanditha, loving husband of Ashwini Revanth & son of Kannada Superstar Late Dr.Raj Kumar(he passed away in 2006 at the age of 76 years).
In 2013 on the request from the Vijay Karnataka’s Team (At that time I was also part of the team) he was kind enough to come down to the office for a Coffee Table Book Launch.
Appu as he is affectionately called was humbleness personified.
Level-headed, knowledgeable about various topics—Cricket, Sports, Brands, Music (Hindi, English & of course Kannada). He was well spoken, articulate & absolutely a delight to interact with than some of the starry tantrums actors/actress we were used to.
He was a welcome change, refreshing with an instantly LIKEABLE trait which made him what he is today. A mass actor with a class appeal.
Puneet RajKumar in the Vijay Karnataka Office ,2013 
Power Star Puneet Urging Citizens To Vote 
Endorsing the Gold Winner Oil 
The Star in the POTHY’s clothing Brand Advertisement 
The Super Star in the Kannada KBC 
The Nandini Milk Advertisement 
With Tamanna Bhatia in the POTHY’s Clothing Brand Commercial 
The Youth Icon in the 7-UP Commercial
There was an electrifying buzz in the entire building in our office once he entered. Obliging to all the colleagues for a quick pic, polite exchange of pleasantries & firm handshake. Power Star for sure, most important was a Humble Power Star who didn’t wear his success on his sleeves or let it go to his head.
Born as Lohith RajKumar, Puneeth had the best of brands in his kitty & he was brand ambassador for Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini Milk products, LED Bulb Project, PepsiCo, F-Square, Dixcy Scott & Malabar Gold to name a few.
He was also the host of the Kannada KBC(Kannadada Kotyadhipati), since 2012 changing the fortunes of Suvarna Kannada Channel replacing Udaya TV from the top slot for the first time in 19 years.
Adieu to an ICON who can never be replaced.