Five years after Karnataka lost its Power Star, the state's cultural memory refuses to dim. On the death anniversary of Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar, Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi offered a heartfelt tribute on Thursday, October 29, 2026, honouring the Kannada cinema icon whose legacy stretches far beyond the screen.

In his post written in Kannada, Joshi addressed Puneeth as 'Kannadanadina Appu' — 'the beloved son of Kannada land' — a term of endearment the actor carried through his entire career. He wrote: 'Power Star, Karnataka Ratna Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar, who secured a permanent place in the hearts of crores of Kannadigas through his extraordinary acting, simplicity, humanity, and social service — I offer my respectful tribute on his death anniversary.'

From child actor to the pride of Sandalwood

Puneeth Rajkumar began his journey in the Kannada film industry — popularly known as Sandalwood — as a child actor, eventually growing into one of its most commanding leading men. He was the son of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, and while that lineage opened doors, it was his own warmth and craft that earned him an identity entirely his own. The title Power Star was not just a marquee nickname — it was a measure of the devotion he inspired.

Joshi's post specifically noted that Puneeth's contributions extended well beyond cinema — into charity, education, health, and community service — lighting up countless lives in ways no box-office number can fully capture. He passed away on October 29, 2021, after a cardiac arrest, sending Karnataka into collective mourning.

Cinema as Karnataka's emotional common ground

In Karnataka, tributes to film personalities are not merely ceremonial — they are a civic ritual. Puneeth occupied a rare intersection: adored by fans across generations, respected by public figures across party lines, and remembered equally for his philanthropy as for his performances. The Karnataka Ratna award, the state's highest civilian honour, had been conferred on him, cementing his status as a cultural institution rather than just a star.

Each year on October 29, fan communities, public figures, and government offices across the state pause to mark the anniversary. Joshi's tribute, coming from a senior Union Minister and prominent Karnataka BJP leader, reflects how deeply Puneeth's memory is woven into the state's political as well as cultural fabric.

Puneeth Rajkumar did not just shine on screen — he made others shine too. That, five years on, is the legacy that endures.