Jr NTR star pays final tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar, final rites on October 31 with Karnataka state honours

The untimely death of Sandalwood Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar has cast a gloom in the Indian film industry. Even as tributes keep pouring in from all corners, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the presence of Junior NTR at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru to pay personal tributes to ‘Appu’ added to the poignancy of the moment.

Jr NTR looked stunned when he saw the mortal remains of Puneeth Rajkumar at Kanteerava Stadium where fans and dignitaries poured in, to pay their final tributes. He even consoled Puneeth Rajkumar’s elder brother Shiva Rajkumar and the duo wept, while hugging each other.

The Tollywood and Sandalwood superstars in their own right – Puneeth Rajkumar and Jr NTR shared a special bond. Jr NTR broke down on hearing the news. He Tweeted – Heartbroken! Can’t believe you have gone so soon.” The bonds of friendship between Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of thespian late Dr Rajkumar and Jr NTR, son of former Andhra Pradesh CM NT Rama Rao, is special. Jr NTR had even crooned a song for Appu, which turned out to be a super hit.

No journey of Puneeth Rajkumar to Hyderabad was complete without him visiting the NTR residence. Media reports suggest that both Jr NTR and Puneeth Rajkumar had a gala time during their recent last meet in Hyderabad. Apart from Jr NTR, Puneeth also shared a close relationship with other Tollywood stars including Nandamuri Balakrishna, whom he calls ‘Anna’ or elder brother.

Also Read: Telugu celebrities offer condolences on the death of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar

Puneeth Rajkumar and Balakrishna had shared the wonderful relationship that his father – late Dr Rajkumar and NT Rama Rao, actor-politician shared. Puneeth Rajkumar died following a major heart attack while exercising at home. Efforts by doctors at Vikram Hospital to revive Sandalwood’s favourite star went in vain and the news of his passing away cast a pall of gloom among his fans, family and well-wishers.

In a related development, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that the final rites of the deceased star will now be held on October 31 with full state honours.

Heartbroken!

Can’t believe you have gone so soon. pic.twitter.com/55lt4r62d1

— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 29, 2021