Comedian, Comedy Kiladigalu-3 winner Rakesh Poojary dies of heart attack

BENGALURU, UDUPI: Rakesh Poojary (34), a popular comedian from Udupi and winner of ‘Comedy Kiladigalu Season-3’, who had made a name for himself in the Kannada television industry, died of a heart attack at a private hospital in Udupi at 3.30 am on Monday.

Rakesh had participated in a Mehandi ceremony at Karkala near Nitte the previous night and had danced with friends. He had also been involved in the shooting of the prequel of the film ‘Kantara’ and had attended a private function.

According to reports, Rakesh suffered a heart attack while he was with friends and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had complained of low blood pressure before being rushed to the hospital. He had met with an accident recently, but otherwise, had no health issues.

Rakesh had recently attended the premiere of the film ‘Dastak’ and had been involved in various projects, including Kannada films and Tulunadu dramas. The police have registered a case, and the Kannada film industry has mourned his loss.

Sandalwood actress Rakshita Prem travelled from Bengaluru to Udupi to pay her last respects to Rakesh, and she shared a special message on Instagram, expressing her condolences. The last rites were conducted at his hometown.

Comedy Kiladigalu team artists, popular anchor Anushree, and friends also paid their last respects to their beloved friend. Rakesh, is survived by his parents, Dinakar Poojary and Shambhavi, residents of Hooda.

Rakesh did his schooling at Carmel High School in Kemmunu and Milagres College in Kalyanpur. He had won the hearts of people with his acting skills in Kannada films like ‘Pailwan’, ‘Idu Enta Lokavayya’, ‘Petkammi’, ‘Ammer Police’, ‘Pammanne The Great’, ‘Umil’, ‘Illokkel’ and other Tulu dramas.