BENGALURU: Thousands of fans of Karnataka Ratna, late actor Puneeth Rajkumar, gathered at Sri Kanteerava Studio to celebrate his 49th birth anniversary on Sunday.
The Karnataka government had announced March 17 as ‘Inspiration Day’ in memory of the Power Star, considering his achievements and social service at his young age.
It has been three years since the demise of Power Star, fondly called ‘Appu’, but his memory remains etched in everyone’s hearts.
The family members of the late actor, including Raghavendra Rajkumar, Yuva Rajkumar, and Appu’s younger daughter Vandana, visited the studio and offered prayers at his final resting place.
A statue of Appu was also unveiled on the occasion. A procession with the statue will travel all over the city today.
Puneeth was laid to rest next to his father and legendary actor Dr Rajkumar’s memorial at Sri Kanteerava Studios.
Appu’s fans are visiting the samadhi with their families, waiting in a long queue. They could be seen taking selfies in front of his portrait and celebrating his birthday bursting firecrackers. The fans started coming here at 11 pm on Saturday night and fondly remembered their favorite actor by placing a rose at his grave.
Tight police security arrangements have been made at the place as the number of fans increases.
After offering prayers, Raghavendra Rajkumar said, “A marathon called ‘Our Power Appu’ should be organised to motivate people. Puneeth liked running for health. Let’s celebrate Appu’s Inspiration Day in a meaningful manner. It is the birthday of all fans. His life’s span was not enough to do good work.”
“This is a very important day. Children should feel happy on this day. Children of orphanage should get sweets. Plant saplings, give free education to make this day memorable, memorable one, do social work. Respect will increase by doing such work. Let us celebrate the day meaningfully. Whatever miracle happens at Appu samadhi, it belongs to people”, he said.
A youth from Tamil Nadu is planning a country tour after being inspired by the late actor Appu. The youth plans to sensitize people about the significance of the environment in Appu’s memory and plans to pedal through 19 states. He planted about 3 lakh saplings and has been involved in social service for the last two years