Well-known Kannada actor, Puneeth Rajkumar died on Friday following a cardiac arrest in Bengaluru, reported PTI quoting hospital sources. The star was 46. He was famous for hosting the Kannada version of Kaun Banega Crorepati. (KBC)

According to news agency ANI, Rajkumar was admitted to Bengaluru’s Vikram Hospital after the complaint of chest pain at 11.30 am.

“Trying our best to treat him. His condition is serious. Can’t say anything as of now. His condition was bad when brought to the hospital, treatment on in ICU,” Dr Ranganath Nayak of Vikram Hospital said at the time.

The medical team later informed that the actor was non-responsive and was in Cardiac Asystole and Advanced cardiac resuscitation has been initiated.

Rajkumar, the son of matinee idol the late Rajkumar and Parvathamma, and fondly called ‘Appu’ by his fans. He was also a popular television presenter, Puneet, who began his career as a child artist, is also among the highest-paid actors in the Kannada film industry.

Karnataka Minister Dr CN Ashwathnarayan expressed his condolences on the actor’s demise.

“He had accomplished immensely from an early age. It is difficult to believe that he, who has always been the backbone of constructive programs, is no more.” reads his statement