Puneeth Rajkumar was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru after suffering a heart attack on October 29. He could not be saved in spite the best efforts of the doctors. Karnataka’s Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai was seen visiting the hospital to check on him. The area surrounding the hospital has been barricaded and security has been increased.

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The 46-year-old was fondly known as ‘Appu’ and during his long career he worked as an actor, playback singer, television presenter and producer. The son of legendary actors Rajkumar and Parvathamma worked primarily in Kannada cinema.

He was the youngest sibling out of five children. Puneeth was born in Chennai but his family moved to Mysore when he was just six years old.

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Appu’s career in acting began as a child artist, he even went on to win the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his display in Bettada Hoovu in 1985. In addition, he won the Karnataka State Award for Best Child Artist for his display in Chalisuva Modagalu and Yeradu Nakshatragalu.

His final role as a child actor came in Parashuram, which culminated his career as a child actor. (1976-1989).

The notable films he performed in as a child actor are Vasantha Geetha, Bhagyavantha, Chalisuva Modagalu, Eradu Nakshatragalu, Bhakta Prahaladha and Yarivanu.

Puneeth made his debut in a lead role in the film Appu which came out in 2002. He played the role of a college boy and the movie was an instant hit amongst the critics and fans alike.

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Puneeth’s most successful films as a lead actor include Appu, Abhi, Veera Kannadiga, Mourya, Aakash, Ajay, Arasu, Milana, Vamshi, Raam, Jackie, Hudugaru, Raajakumara and Anjani Putra.

Rajkumar was one of the highest-paid actors in Kannada cinema, he was one of the most famous celebrities of South India.