Puneeth Namana, a homage event for late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, will be held on Tuesday at Gayathri Vihar Palace Ground in Bengaluru. The tribute is jointly organised by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and various film associations, including those of producers, distributors, exhibitors, camerapersons, artists, and film workers.
Speaking to Silverscreen India, KFCC president and exhibitor DR Jairaj said, “Puneeth Namana will be a three-hour programme held from 3 pm to 6 pm on November 16. The event is organised by the Kannada film fraternity.”
He noted that as many as 1400 people are expected to participate. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, several ministers of the state, opposition party leaders, Mysore Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja, and Puneeth Rajkumar’s family members, including his brothers Shiva Rajkumar and Ragavendra Rajkumar, will all take part in the event. Artists and technicians from other film industries have also been invited.
“There will be a floral tribute, a candle light ceremony, and a special song written by Dr Nagendra Prasad will be dedicated to the late actor. Also, a video showing Puneeth’s journey and film career will be played. A few significant dignitaries will share their tributes as well,” said Jairaj.
The KFCC president added that arrangements have been made to live stream the Puneeth Namana event. TV channels have also been given permission to cover the programme. “Since it’s an industry event, we only have limited participants. So we request Puneeth’s fans to cooperate with us and watch the event on live streaming or on TV.”
Jairaj also noted that since all the members of the industry will be participating in the event, shooting other film-related works are likely to be halted for the day. “However, theatres will continue to operate.”
Recommended
Puneeth died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Bengaluru on October 29. The 46-year-old actor was rushed to Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru after he complained of chest pains, but was declared unresponsive when brought to the emergency department.
The actor’s last rites were conducted with State honours at the Sree Kanteerava Studios in Bengaluru on October 31.
Speaking about Puneeth, Jairaj said, “He was a great artist and a very simple and down-to-earth human being. He gained popularity not just with his films but also through his social service. He has fans across the world. His demise is a huge loss for the industry.”