A tribute to Sandalwood’s power star
1975 – 2021 On his first death anniversary on Saturday, late actor Puneeth Rajkumar was remembered by friends from the industry
Puneeth Rajkumar, fondly known as Appu by his fans, friends, and family, donned many hats. An actor, producer, and playback singer, Rajkumar won hearts all over the world. On the award-winning actor’s first death anniversary (October 29), his colleagues and friends from the film fraternity talk about their beloved star, mentor, and, above all, one of the nicest people they had met.
RAMESH ARAVIND
I recall the evening of October 28,
2021, when Appu and I spent time together with our families. We were at music director Gurukiran’s house, and I remember us chatting and laughing the night away. He had taken me aside and shown me the trailer of Gandhada Gudi, his last film (which released one year later, this Friday). And 12 hours later, I heard of his death. I was shocked. One year has passed by so fast. I remember him for his dancing, stunts, the lively and pleasant performances he gave on screen, his simple and friendly nature, and so much more.
DANISH SAIT
Appu taught me that when you love unconditionally, you get it back in abundance. Very few human beings are elevated to being icons, and he was one of them. He called me after my first film was released, and I asked him if I should start living an actor’s life now. He said, “No, you continue doing what you’re doing.” It was great advice. I will never have a friend like him.
Chivalry was another name for him. A very down-to-earth and sweet man, he would always give time to his fans. He was patient with them and spoke to each of them. That loving attitude is something I will always remember him for. The way he treated my mum when I did my first film with him was amazing. She spoke a lot about him. He offered his vanity to us so that we could be comfortable. The respect he had for women was amazing. He continues to set examples even after his death, like donating his eyes.
PRIYA ANAND PRIYA MANI RAJ
It doesn’t feel like he is gone, and all the credit goes to his family and fans. It just feels like he’s busy shooting somewhere. There is no limit to what he has achieved and continues to achieve even after his death. He was such a beautiful creature created by God that there’s no one like him. Every time I looked at him, he would smile. He believed in living in the present. There is no bigger lesson in life than being joyful. Appu’s loss has been so personal to everyone, from fans to friends, because we always felt like he was ours. He was really an exemplary human being.*
PRAKASH RAJ
He was a wonderful soul. I saw him as an actor when he was a child, and I even worked with him over the years. The reason why I miss him so much is because of the way he evolved as a person. He was born with a silver spoon, and the success of business was never a problem, but he always believed in giving back to society. We would have seen him evolve into something beautiful if there had been more time for him to bloom. He found joy in being good, even with the films he decided to make with his production house. They were about education and old-age homes. He went beyond money and fame and identified with his growth in society. He made the world a better place to live in, and it (his death) is a great loss. He continues to inspire me.