States »SoutPosted at: Nov 16 2021 8:49PM We used to see Dr Rajkumar's humility in Puneeth: CM Bommai
Bengaluru, Nov 16 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Tuesday said people used to see Dr Rajkumar in late Puneeth Rajkumar's humility and friendly nature, and added that he kissed his forehead before the start of funeral ceremony on the behalf of six crore people of the state
"We used to see Rajkumar in Puneeth's humility and friendly nature," he said addressing a programme organised by Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce to pay tributes to the departed actor who passed away recently.
"The country has a vast history, but there are very few who had the real great character. Appu, as he is fondly called by his fans, has made it into the annals of history as a man of such character," he added.
The CM was hinting at Puneeth's actions who did not take a penny for promoting ads for social causes.
Apart from honouring Puneeth with Karnataka Ratna posthumously, Bommai said his cabinet will also take decisions on getting national awards and honours for him. A befitting memorial too would be built in honour of the late actor to make his name and memories immortal, he declared.
Bommai said Puneeth has the distinction of being the only actor who was honoured with the national award as a child artist.
"It was wonderful to watch how Puneeth as a child actor used to incarnate himself into the character overcoming the father-son relationship while acting with his late father Dr Rajkumar. His acting used to attract the fans like a magnet.
On his gesture of kissing Puneeth's forehead at Kanteerava Stadium before the final journey, Bommai said he did it on behalf of six crore people of the state. The gesture had drew diverse comments from people all over the world.
"The kiss was from my heart. I gave the muththu (kiss) to Muththuraja's (Dr Rajkumar) Muththu (pearl) on behalf of six crore people of the state," he said addressing "Puneeth Namana" programme organised by Karnataka Film Chambers of Commerce to pay tributes to the departed actor.
Recalling his association with the late actor, CM said Puneeth was close to him and was a fountain of talent which was evident from his childhood days.
Bommai also thanked Puneeth's fans for the manner in which they conducted themselves after his death and during his funeral,.
The CM also profusely thanked Dr Rajkumar's family members, their fans and officials for their cooperation in enabling a smooth and dignified Puneeth's funeral.
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