Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar’s last rites are set to take place in Bengaluru on Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai told the media on Saturday.
Earlier, the late actor’s funeral was expected to be held on Saturday evening, after the arrival of his daughter from the US.
Puneeth, who died at the age of 46 on Friday, was admitted to Vikram Hospital after he complained of chest pains that morning. He was declared unresponsive when brought in to the emergency department. Subsequently, the actor succumbed to cardiac arrest.
The popular actor’s death has come as a shock to the Indian film industry and the public.
Son of legendary Indian actor and singer Rajkumar, Puneeth first appeared in films as a toddler, starting with Premada Kanike (1976). He later debuted in a lead role with the 2002 film Appu and was thereafter fondly called Appu by fans and peers. He went on to star in commercially successful films like Mourya (2004), Aakash (2005), Milana (2007), and Jackie (2010), among others.
Puneeth’s eyes were donated after his demise, just as his father’s were. His mortal remains are currently kept at Kanteerva Stadium for fans to pay their respects.
Earlier in the day, ANI reported that Bengaluru Police commissioner Kamal Pant said the actor’s last rites were likely to take place on Saturday. “On the basis of the decision taken by Puneeth Rajkumar’s family, the next stage of security arrangements will be made. The family will take a call on when the final rites will be performed,” he is quoted as saying.
The chief minister too had earlier said that the decision would be made after the arrival of Vanditha, daughter of the late actor, which was expected to be early Saturday afternoon. “His daughter is expected to reach Delhi via flight by noon. After clearing the immigration procedures, by around 1 pm today, she will be reaching Bengaluru; arrangements have been made for her travel. Upon her arrival, the precise timings for the last rites will be finalised,” he had said.
The CM had also added that Puneeth’s funeral will be held with full state honours, next to his father Rajkumar’s memorial. He also requested the public to maintain peace and decorum during the funeral.
On Saturday afternoon, the chief minister announced that the late actor’s daughter had reached Delhi and was on the way to Bengaluru. “She will be here by 5-6 pm. There has been a lot of crowd. Thus, in order to give more time for the fans to pay their respects, and given it is a challenge to perform the rites after dark, it has been decided that the last rites will be carried out tomorrow (Sunday),” he said.
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Meanwhile, several notable personalities including dancer-actor Prabhu Deva, actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Junior NTR, visited Kanteerva Stadium and paid their respects to the late actor.
According to The Times of India, the procession route for Puneeth’s mortal remains will begin at Kanteerava Studio and go via Corporation circle – Mysuru Bank Circle – Chalukya Circle – Windsor Manor – Cauvery Junction – Sankey Road – Maramma Circle – Yeshwanthpur – Govardhan RMC Yard – Gorguntepalya, back to Kanteerava Studio.