BELOVED Indian film star Puneeth Rajkumar sent a final tweet in support of his brother hours before he died from a cardiac arrest.
The host of India’s version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire passed away aged 46 this morning.
Puneeth was working out at his gym when he complained of having chest pains.
He was rushed to hospital in Bangalore at 11.30am local time this morning where he passed away, the Times of India reports.
Tragically, around seven hours before his death was announced, the star posted his final tweet in support of a film starring his brother – fellow actor Shiva Rajkumar.
He wrote: “Best wishes for the entire team of #Bhajarangi2.”
Puneeth then tagged in his brother’s @NimmaShivanna account.
Fans of the actor, singer and TV host gathered outside the medical facility when news broke that he was ill.
In 2012, Puneeth began hosting Kannadada Kotyadhipati which was inspired by the UK quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Tributes have poured in for the beloved star who was affectionately known as Appu – the name of the titular character in one of his most popular films.
Fellow actor Mahesh Babu tweeted: “Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of Puneeth Rajkumar’s demise.
“One of the most humble people I’ve met and interacted with. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones”
One fan wrote: “Appu…I Love You Appu..I Miss You So Much..”
Another said: “Rest in peace. Gone too soon.”
Puneeth starred in 29 films including some as a child actor.
He was one of the highest paid stars in Kannada Cinema which produces movies in the Kannada language – a dialect spoken in the southern state of Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai tweeted: “The death of Kannadigar’s favourite actor, Appu, has caused enormous loss to Kannada and Karnataka and I pray that God will have mercy on his soul and give his fans the power to endure this pain.”
Indian PM Narendra Modi wrote: “A cruel twist of fate has snatched away from us a prolific and talented actor, Puneeth Rajkumar. This was no age to go.”
Puneeth was born in Chennai in 1975 to his father Rajkumar – who was also a singer and actor – and his film producer mother Parvathamma.
The star leaves two daughters with wife Ashwini Revanth who he wed in 1999.
