<p>Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday (October 29) following a cardiac arrest, leaving fans in a state of shock. Amul, a popular dairy brand, honoured the mass hero with a topical toon, which described him as a 'Yuvarathnaa' (Young gem). 'Appu' supporters thanked the company for honoring his legacy. </p>.<p>Here are some of the tweets:</p>.<p>Amul had previously paid tribute to Irrfan, Rishi Kapoor and Sushant Singh Rajput after their deaths last year. </p>.<p>Puneeth, Sandalwood icon Rajkumar's youngest child, first appeared on screen as an infant in his father's film <em>Premada Kanike</em>, which hit the screens in 1977. He won the National Award for 'Best Child Actor' for his work in <em>Bettava Hoovu</em>, widely regarded as one of the finest children's films of all time. He made his 'official' debut with the 2002 release <em>Appu</em>, helmed by Telugu filmmaker Puri Jagannadh. </p>.<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/family-fans-bid-puneeth-rajkumar-tearful-farewell-1045918.html" target="_blank">Family, fans bid Puneeth Rajkumar tearful farewell</a><br /><br />The film emerged as a big hit and attained cult status. The young star consolidated his standing with films like <em>Vamshi</em>, <em>Maurya</em>, <em>Anna Bond</em> and <em>Jackie</em>. <em>Huddugaru </em>helped him win his first SIIMA Award. He was also part of films such as <em>Power</em>, <em>Raaj The Showman</em>, Ajay, <em>Natasaarvabhowma </em>and<em> Ajana Putra</em>.</p>.<p> It is, however, the 2017 release <em>Raajakumaara </em>that many consider to be the best film of his career. The Santosh Ananddram-helmed flick, a subtle tribute to Annavru's <em>Kasturi Nivasa</em>, emerged as an 'industry hit' and received praise from all corners. It starred Priya Anand as the leading lady and marked her Sandalwood debut. He was last seen in <em>Yuvarathnaa</em>, which emerged as a 'digital blockbuster' after its theatrical run was cut short by Covid-19 restrictions. It starred Sayyeshaa, who entered the film industry with the Telugu movie <em>Akhil</em>, as the female protagonist and was the first Kannada movie of her career. </p>.<p>Puneeth was working on <em>James </em>at the time of his death. He was to collaborate with Pavan Kumar, the director of films such as <em>Lucia </em>and <em>U Turn</em>, and Santosh Ananddram for their upcoming films. </p>
<p>Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on Friday (October 29) following a cardiac arrest, leaving fans in a state of shock. Amul, a popular dairy brand, honoured the mass hero with a topical toon, which described him as a 'Yuvarathnaa' (Young gem). 'Appu' supporters thanked the company for honoring his legacy. </p>.<p>Here are some of the tweets:</p>.<p>Amul had previously paid tribute to Irrfan, Rishi Kapoor and Sushant Singh Rajput after their deaths last year. </p>.<p>Puneeth, Sandalwood icon Rajkumar's youngest child, first appeared on screen as an infant in his father's film <em>Premada Kanike</em>, which hit the screens in 1977. He won the National Award for 'Best Child Actor' for his work in <em>Bettava Hoovu</em>, widely regarded as one of the finest children's films of all time. He made his 'official' debut with the 2002 release <em>Appu</em>, helmed by Telugu filmmaker Puri Jagannadh. </p>.<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/family-fans-bid-puneeth-rajkumar-tearful-farewell-1045918.html" target="_blank">Family, fans bid Puneeth Rajkumar tearful farewell</a><br /><br />The film emerged as a big hit and attained cult status. The young star consolidated his standing with films like <em>Vamshi</em>, <em>Maurya</em>, <em>Anna Bond</em> and <em>Jackie</em>. <em>Huddugaru </em>helped him win his first SIIMA Award. He was also part of films such as <em>Power</em>, <em>Raaj The Showman</em>, Ajay, <em>Natasaarvabhowma </em>and<em> Ajana Putra</em>.</p>.<p> It is, however, the 2017 release <em>Raajakumaara </em>that many consider to be the best film of his career. The Santosh Ananddram-helmed flick, a subtle tribute to Annavru's <em>Kasturi Nivasa</em>, emerged as an 'industry hit' and received praise from all corners. It starred Priya Anand as the leading lady and marked her Sandalwood debut. He was last seen in <em>Yuvarathnaa</em>, which emerged as a 'digital blockbuster' after its theatrical run was cut short by Covid-19 restrictions. It starred Sayyeshaa, who entered the film industry with the Telugu movie <em>Akhil</em>, as the female protagonist and was the first Kannada movie of her career. </p>.<p>Puneeth was working on <em>James </em>at the time of his death. He was to collaborate with Pavan Kumar, the director of films such as <em>Lucia </em>and <em>U Turn</em>, and Santosh Ananddram for their upcoming films. </p>