BENGALURU: Late actor Puneeth Rajkumar’s wife Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar received the ‘Karnataka Ratna’ award posthumously on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday. The Karnataka government has conferred Puneeth with the ‘Karntaka Ratna’ award after recognising his contributions to the art field and his social service.
After receiving the award, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar expressed her gratitude to the Government of Karnataka and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Tamil superstar Rajanikanth wished Kannada Rajyotsava to the Kannadigas. In his address in Kannada, he said, “Puneeth is God’s child, his soul is still around here and lives in everyone’s heart”.
“I saw Appu in Chennai in 1979 for the first time. He had come to Sabarimala along with Dr Rajkumar, who walked 48 km with Appu on his shoulder. Dr Rajkumar had once asked me if I had seen Puneeth’s movie ‘Appu’ which had released then. After watching the movie, I had said that it would run for 100 days, and it happened. Later on, I presented the award for Puneeth’s movie ‘Appu’ and I still can’t forget that day”, Rajinikanth said.
Speaking further, Rajinikanth said Puneeth was a generous, kind-hearted human being. Lakhs of people thronged to see his mortal remains just because of his humble personality, he noted.
Telugu actor Jr NTR, speaking on the occasion, said “The legacy of an individual comes from their ancestors. Likewise, personality is nothing but earning place in people’s hearts. With his personality, smile and good nature, he won the hearts of millions. I came here for my best friend. Puneeth is a super star, a great star, a good husband, a good companion, and a rich-hearted person. Where can we find the richness of his smile? He was the master of the smile.”
“Puneeth Rajkumar could be a gem of Karnataka. According to me, Puneet Rajkumar is the other meaning of Karnataka Ratna. Please do not misunderstand me. I came here as a proud friend. I stand here for him. This friendship will always be in my heart”, he expressed.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, “God was showering blessings on him through rain. The people of Karnataka are celebrating him everywhere. He made Karnataka proud due to his incredible service to society. I am fortunate to confer the Karnataka Ratna award on him during my term. God’s grace will always be there for him.” Then, in a raised voice, the CM said, “Let Appu be born again in this Kannada land to receive the love and affection of Kannadigas”.
Puneeth Rajkumar is the ninth personality to be conferred with the Karnataka Ratna Award. Rajinikanth, the Tamil superstar, and Jr NTR, Sudha Murty, graced the occasion as the chief guests.
Revenue Minister R Ashoka, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar, Kannada and Culture Minister Sunil Kumar, MLA Muniratna and Puneeth Rajkumar’s family participated in the award ceremony.
Thousands of fans and followers of Puneeth gathered at the programme even though it was raining. A music concert was also organised on the occasion.