Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday, 29 October 2026, paid tribute to Kannada superstar and Karnataka Ratna awardee Puneeth Rajkumar on the fifth anniversary of his passing. The tributes poured in from across party lines, reflecting the enduring cross-political reverence for the actor fondly known as Appu across Karnataka.

Chief Minister's Tribute

Chief Minister Shivakumar said Puneeth Rajkumar had become a beloved member of households across the state through his 'innocent smile, humility, and talent as an actor.' He added that the superstar 'continues to live forever in the hearts of millions of Kannadigas.' Shivakumar also recalled that Puneeth had won a National Film Award as a child artist before going on to elevate Kannada cinema as a leading star, all while maintaining a simple and dignified life off screen.

Union Ministers Remember 'Appu'

Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi said Puneeth had earned a permanent place in millions of hearts through his 'exceptional acting, simplicity, humanity and public service.' Joshi highlighted that the actor's contributions extended well beyond cinema, encompassing philanthropy and work in education, healthcare, and social service.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy offered a personal tribute, saying: 'Even if years roll by, our Puneeth Rajkumar remains forever etched as an unblemished love in millions of hearts. His personality, gentle simplicity, and society-oriented service have immortalized Appu. On this day, I offer my heartfelt salutations in his blessed memory, the jewel of our Kannada land.'

Opposition and BJP's Remembrance

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka recalled that Puneeth had entered the Kannada film industry as a child artist and won admiration across the state. Marking the passage of five years since the actor's demise, Ashoka called upon people to remember his artistic contributions and public service. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra described Puneeth as a Karnataka Ratna whom the people would never forget, saying the actor had earned a permanent place in millions of hearts not merely as a popular actor but through his 'compassion, simplicity and selfless social service.'

Who Was Puneeth Rajkumar

Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar, passed away on 29 October 2021 at the age of 46. His death — unexpected and sudden — prompted an outpouring of grief across Karnataka and beyond. A recipient of the National Film Award as a child artist, he went on to become one of the biggest stars in Kannada cinema before being honoured with the state's highest civilian distinction, the Karnataka Ratna. His philanthropic work, particularly in education and healthcare, continues to be cited as a model of celebrity-driven social responsibility. This is the fifth consecutive year in which political leaders across the ideological spectrum have publicly observed his death anniversary, underscoring a rare bipartisan respect seldom seen in Karnataka's often-fractious political landscape.