Puneeth Rajkumar: An epitome of humility

Y. MAHESWARA REDDY | NT

He’s one of the biggest stars Sandalwood has ever seen, rivalled only by his father. Even so, Puneeth Rajkumar is remembered not just for his contributions to cinema, or for his stardom, but also for his immense simplicity, humility and compassion - virtues that won him so many hearts. 

Puneeth had recently visited a private hospital in Indiranagar recently and there, his paths crossed with Shashikala, who works as a domestic help at a house nearby. “I was standing a few metres away as Puneeth Rajkumar was interacting with the hospital staff and others. I jumped with joy when he asked me to come closer to him for a picture,” she recalls adding that Power Star has advised her to call him if she needed any help. I could not believe it when the news of Puneeth Rajkumar’s death was announced through electronic media. I felt like I had lost one of my family members,” said Shashikala. 
Jaggesh, an artiste-turned-politician, recalls Appu’s unfailing humility with senior artistes. “I have seen him posing for pictures with many people. I appreciate his patience and humility. He was a gregarious person and it will be difficult to find such a humble person,” said Jaggesh.

Around 100 children of Shakthidhama, an orphanage in Mysuru, were in tears when the news of his death was announced. “Puneeth Sir used to visit Shakthidhama whenever he came to Mysuru. He bought clothes and sweets. He had even arranged movie tickets for the inmates to watch a movie,” said Chandini, warden of Shakthidhama.

Appu was the first among Sandalwood artistes to donate Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Covid Relief Fund. His generosity made other artistes extend financial assistance to junior artistes and technicians of Sandalwood. He had also helped orphanages and schools.

“I wanted to celebrate Puneeth Rajkumar’s birthday with visually-challenged people at Cox Town. He advised me to contact him for financial help. He wanted to donate Rs 1 lakh for the welfare of visually-challenged people but I could not visit Puneeth Rajkumar’s house to collect the cheque for Rs 1 lakh,” said N.S. Ravi, president, Bharathinagar Residents’ Welfare Association.

According to Ramesh Aravind, an artiste-cum-director, Puneeth was jovial when he attended music director Guru Kiran’s birthday celebrations on Thursday night. “He sang a song, along with Upendra and Ganesh, on actress-cum-politician Sumalatha during the celebrations. He was jovial the previous night and passed away the next day. It is shocking to know that Appu is no more,” said Ramesh Aravind.
Appreciating Puneeth for his humility and humbleness, veteran character artiste Doddanna has said that no artiste can replace Puneeth Rajakumar. “Dr Rajkumar’s family has been known for discipline and respect. Puneeth had imbibed good qualities from his parents,” said Doddanna.

Jani Master, a well-known choreographer in Tollywood, has recalled Puneeth’s hospitality and humility when he visited the latter’s residence a few weeks ago. “I have met a few good artists. Puneeth is the best among them. I will never forget his hospitality,” said Jani Master.

“We have a video appeal from him given for our StopIndiaSpitting movement. It showed us he was a human being with a heart in the right place. We approached him saying his video appeal would have a high impact. No further questions were asked, we got the video. I am sharing this as I feel relevant to pull in, his unquestioning support for a social cause impacting Covid-19 spread. This shows another facet of him besides his personality and acting. It’s not every celebrity who responds so willingly. Forever grateful, his appeal will be a cherished message for our campaign, the city and nation,” said Odette Katrak, co-founder of Beautiful Bengaluru.