Pawan Kalyan mourns death of fan Niranjan, 17, whose last wish he fulfilled
Synopsis
Pawan Kalyan had made a personal visit to 17-year-old Niranjan's home in Hanumakonda on 17 June to fulfil the bedridden teenager's last wish. Less than a month later, Niranjan is gone — and the AP Deputy CM's tribute on X, addressed directly to the boy, has struck a deep chord across the country.
Key Takeaways
Pawan Kalyan expressed grief over the death of 17-year-old fan Niranjan from Hanumakonda, Telangana on 8 July .
Niranjan had been bedridden with a rare genetic disease and had expressed a last wish to meet Pawan Kalyan.
Pawan Kalyan visited Niranjan's home on 17 June , sitting beside him, holding his hand, and providing financial support and temple prasadam.
The actor-politician posted a heartfelt tribute on X , quoting Niranjan's courage and the memory of his smile.
Actor Sonu Sood — also reportedly a fan-idol of Niranjan's — consoled the family via a video call and offered support.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday, 8 July expressed deep shock over the passing of Niranjan, a 17-year-old fan from Hanumakonda, Telangana, who had been battling a rare genetic disease. Niranjan, who was bedridden and showed no signs of physical growth due to his condition, had expressed a last wish to meet Pawan Kalyan — a wish the Jana Sena Party leader personally fulfilled on 17 June.
The Visit That Became a Final Memory
Pawan Kalyan had travelled to Niranjan's home in Hanumakonda on 17 June, sitting beside the teenager on his bed, holding his hand, and taking selfies to lift his spirits. He embraced Niranjan affectionately, kissed his forehead, and spent considerable time with the family. He also provided financial support and offered divine temple prasadam to the young fan.
During the visit, Pawan Kalyan spoke at length with Niranjan's parents, Ponugoti Rangopal and Manasa, inquiring about his health. He was visibly moved upon entering the home and seeing Niranjan's condition. The actor-politician also watched videos and photographs of Niranjan imitating his dance moves from healthier days.
Pawan Kalyan's Tribute on X
Paying tribute on social media platform X, Pawan Kalyan wrote: 'The moments from just a few days ago when I visited Niranjan's home in Hanumakonda and met him are still vividly alive in my mind. That little one, who waited for me despite battling severe illness... the tiny smile that bloomed on his face the moment he saw me... all of these will remain forever as unforgettable memories.'
He added: 'The hope and self-confidence he showed toward life, even while enduring such pain, are invaluable. It is heartbreaking that a child with such courage has left us so soon.' He extended his deepest condolences to Niranjan's family and prayed for strength for them to bear what he called an irreparable loss.
In a closing message addressed directly to the departed teenager, Pawan Kalyan wrote: 'Dear Niranjan... the smile you showed, the courage, the love you shared will remain in my heart forever. I pray to God that your soul attains peace.'
Sonu Sood Also Pays Respects
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood, who was also reportedly an idol of Niranjan's, reached out to the family through a video call, consoling them and assuring them of his full support. According to the family, Niranjan had also wished to meet Sonu Sood.
Who Was Niranjan
Niranjan was a 17-year-old from Hanumakonda who had been confined to his bed due to a rare genetic condition that left him with no signs of physical growth. Despite his suffering, he reportedly maintained remarkable courage and a positive outlook. His final wish to meet his favourite actor was fulfilled less than a month before his death — a gesture that drew widespread attention and emotional responses across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans of both Pawan Kalyan and Sonu Sood, and has reignited conversations about the importance of compassionate outreach by public figures to those facing terminal illness.
Point of View
Personal act that only became public after the fact, which is precisely why it resonated. In an era of performative celebrity charity, the specificity of the gesture — sitting on the boy's bed, watching old dance videos, staying long enough to be moved — set it apart. Niranjan's death now places that visit in a different light: not a feel-good story, but a farewell neither side knew was happening. The outpouring of grief also reflects something broader — the deep, almost familial bond between South Indian film stars and their fan communities, a relationship that carries genuine emotional weight far beyond screen fandom.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Niranjan and why did Pawan Kalyan visit him?
Niranjan was a 17-year-old from Hanumakonda, Telangana, who was bedridden due to a rare genetic disease with no signs of physical growth. His last wish was to meet actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, who personally visited his home on 17 June to fulfil that wish.
When did Niranjan pass away?
Niranjan's death was reported on 8 July, less than a month after Pawan Kalyan's visit to his home on 17 June. He succumbed to a rare genetic disease he had been battling for a prolonged period.
What did Pawan Kalyan post about Niranjan's death?
Pawan Kalyan posted a tribute on X, recalling the smile on Niranjan's face during their meeting and praising his courage. He extended condolences to the family and prayed for peace for Niranjan's soul, calling the loss heartbreaking.
How did Sonu Sood respond to Niranjan's death?
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood paid his respects to Niranjan's family through a video call, consoling them and assuring them of his support. According to the family, Niranjan was also an ardent fan of Sonu Sood and had wished to meet him.
What did Pawan Kalyan do during his visit to Niranjan's home?
During the 17 June visit, Pawan Kalyan sat beside Niranjan on his bed, held his hand, took selfies with him, and embraced him. He also provided financial support and temple prasadam, spoke with Niranjan's parents, and watched videos of the teenager dancing in healthier days.
