Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar laid to rest with full state honours

Bengaluru: Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who died on October 29 due to massive heart attack, was laid to rest next to his parents Dr Rajkumar and Parvatamma Rajkumar's samadhis at Kanteerava Studio with full state honours here on Sunday.

Before the mortal remains were laid to rest, Karnataka Police accorded gun salute. The actor's body was brought on a bier to the designated burial spot for the dignitaries to pay homage and perform rituals.

Soon after Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai paid his last respects by kissing the forehead of Puneeth in wee hours, the funeral process started from Kanteerava Stadium, where his body was kept for public viewing for the past two days.

Among the celebrities who paid their last respects on Friday were Cheeranjivi, Venkatesh, Rana Daggubati, Junior NTR, Sharath Kumar, Prabhu Deva, Arjun Sarja and Balakrishna among others.

The procession reached Kanteerava Studio for the last rites around 5.45 am and state honours were accorded around 6.30 am.

The decision to shift the mortal remains in wee hours was taken to avoid crowds and prevent a law and order problem.

First among the lot who performed the last rites was Puneeth's nephew Vinay Rajkumar, who is son of the late actor's eldest brother Raghavendra Rajkumar.

Fans and mourners were not allowed inside the studio, but the government erected giant screens around the place to enable fans to view the final rites.

Among the noted dignitaries who attended the final rites were former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, senior Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah.

JDS leader Madhu Bangarappa, BJP leader Kumar Bangarappa, Ministers R Ashoka and Munirathna, actors Yash and Shiva Rajkumar, Puneeth's elder brother, also attended the rites. (UNI)