Puneeth Rajkumar, fondly known as Appu, was one of the most beloved actors in Kannada cinema. His journey from a child artist to a superstar was nothing short of inspiring. He was not only known for his acting prowess but also for his contributions to music and philanthropy.
His untimely demise in 2021 left a void in the industry, but his legacy continues to shine.
Early Life and Upbringing
Puneeth Rajkumar was born on March 17, 1975, in Chennai, India. He was the youngest son of legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in cinema, Puneeth was exposed to films from an early age. His father’s influence played a crucial role in shaping his career.
As a child, Puneeth appeared in several films, showcasing his natural talent. His performance in Bettada Hoovu (1985) earned him the National Film Award for Best Child Artist, a testament to his early brilliance.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lohith Rajkumar |
| Nickname | Appu, Power Star |
| Alternative Names | Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar |
| Date of Birth | 17 March 1975 |
| Age (as of 2024) | Passed away in 2021 (aged 46) |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Hometown | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | Honorary Doctorate, Mysuru University |
| Hobbies and Interests | Singing, Acting, Philanthropy |
| Languages Known | Kannada, English |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements | 43-33-15 inche |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Chest | 43 inche |
| Waist | 33 inche |
| Biceps | 15 inche |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short, neatly styled |
| Distinctive Features | Charismatic smile, expressive eyes |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Puneeth Rajkumar married Ashwini Revanth in 1999, and the couple had two daughters, Drithi and Vanditha. Despite his stardom, Puneeth was known for his humility and strong family values. He often credited his wife for being his pillar of support.
His close bond with his brothers, Shiva Rajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar, was evident in many public appearances. The Rajkumar family remains one of the most respected families in Kannada cinema.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Ashwini Revanth |
| Father | Dr. Rajkumar |
| Mother | Parvathamma Rajkumar |
| Children | Drithi (elder), Vanditha (younger) |
| Siblings | Shiva Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Lakshmi, Poornima |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Ashwini Revanth |
| Significant Relationships | Ashwini Revanth |
Rise to Stardom
Puneeth made his debut as a lead actor in Appu (2002), which became a massive hit. His energetic performance and dance skills won him a huge fan following. Over the years, he starred in several successful films, including:
- Abhi (2003) – A romantic drama that showcased his versatility.
- Milana (2007) – A film that earned him critical acclaim.
- Jackie (2010) – A blockbuster that solidified his status as a superstar.
- Raajakumara (2017) – One of the highest-grossing Kannada films.
- Yuvarathnaa (2021) – His last major release before his passing.
Puneeth Rajkumar – Selfie
Puneeth Rajkumar – Debut Film – Bettada Hoovu
Puneeth Rajkumar – Successful Film – Appu
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Puneeth Rajkumar’s career was decorated with numerous awards and accolades. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- National Film Award for Best Child Artist (Bettada Hoovu, 1985)
- Karnataka State Film Awards (Multiple wins)
- Filmfare Awards South (Best Actor – Kannada)
- SIIMA Awards (Best Actor)
- Karnataka Ratna (Posthumously awarded in 2022)
Apart from acting, Puneeth was a talented playback singer. His songs in films like Appu and Jackie became immensely popular.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Playback Singer, Producer, TV Host |
| Debut Film | Bettada Hoovu (1985, as child actor) |
| Notable Roles | Appu, Hudugaru, Raajakumara, Jackie, Yuvarathnaa |
| Recent Films | James (2022), Gandhada Gudi (2022) |
| Upcoming Films | N/A |
| Popular Television Series | Kannadada Kotyadhipati (Host) |
| Awards and Achievements | Karnataka Ratna (2022), National Film Award (1985), 6 Filmfare Awards South, 5 SIIMA Awards |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | N/ |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Education, Eye Donation, Social Welfare |
| Professional Associations | Not publicly available |
| Training and Education | Honorary Doctorate, Mysuru University |
| Production Company | PRK Productions |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Appu, Hudugaru, Raajakumara, Jackie, Yuvarathnaa |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Bettada Hoovu, Hudugaru, Raajakumara, Gandhada Gudi |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $23 million |
| Per Movie Charges | $240K-$360K |
| Per Endorsement Charges | $1 million |
| Sponsorship Deals | Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Fair & Lovely |
| Business Ventures | PRK Productions |
| Investments | Film production, television ventures |
| Real Estate Holdings | Properties in Bengaluru |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Multiple real estate assets |
| Cars Collection | Rolls Royce Ghost, BMW X5, Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Benz G63 |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Rajkumar |
| Favorite Actress | Meera Jasmine |
| Favorite Film | Appu (2002) |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Football |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Food | South Indian cuisine |
| Things he liked | Singing, philanthropy, fitness |
| Things he disliked | Dishonesty, negativity |
Top 5 Best Films – Puneeth Rajkumar
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Appu | 2002 | Appu |
| Milana | 2007 | Aakash |
| Jackie | 2010 | Jackie |
| Raajakumara | 2017 | Siddharth |
| Yuvarathnaa | 2021 | Yuvaraj |
Controversies – Puneeth Rajkumar
- Political Allegations – Speculations about his entry into politics.
- Film Industry Rivalries – Rumors of competition with other actors.
- Box Office Clashes – His films often clashed with other big releases.
- Social Media Backlash – Criticism over certain statements.
- Fan Wars – Rivalries between fan groups.
Interesting Facts – Puneeth Rajkumar
- He was known as Power Star by his fans.
- He donated his eyes, inspiring thousands to pledge eye donations.
- He was a fitness enthusiast and promoted a healthy lifestyle.
- His production house, PRK Productions, supported young filmmakers.
- He hosted Kannadada Kotyadhipati, the Kannada version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
- His last film, Gandhada Gudi, was a tribute to Karnataka’s natural beauty.
Puneeth Rajkumar was more than just an actor; he was a phenomenon. His contributions to cinema, music, and philanthropy made him a beloved figure. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to inspire millions.
