Bengaluru: Popular Kannada film actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who started as a child artist and went to rule the big screen in the footsteps of his father and legend Rajkumar, died of a massive cardiac arrest here on Friday, leaving legions of his fans shell-shocked. The actor was 46.

Known for films such as ‘Appu’, ‘Veera Kannadiga’ and “Maurya’, Puneeth, a fitness enthusiast, was rushed to Vikram Hospital after he complained of chest pain during his morning workout. His wife Ashwini took him to their family doctor Ramana Rao’s hospital in nearby Aramanenagar where an ECG revealed an acute heart attack. He was rushed to Vikram Hospital, Vasanthnagar, where doctors failed to revive him.

Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, who cancelled his engagements and rushed to the hospital, said, “Karnataka state has lost an iconic actor, who had monumental achievements at a young age. He was the youth icon.”

Ironically, Puneeth was brand ambassador for the ‘Prevent premature heart attack’ initiative of the state-run SJCSRI and even took part in the launch of ‘Heart Attack In Young Age Clinic’ at Jayadeva Hospital in September 2017.

Films apart, Puneeth had a huge following as a fitness enthusiast. Photos and videos of Puneeth at the gym or showcasing new workouts were widely shared and talked about, especially after the pandemic broke out. A video of his diving backflip went viral this February.

Walkers in Sadashivnagar recall the star was a regular jogger even when Covid peaked, unassumingly flashing a smile or waving at those greeting him. His ‘Fight Corona Workout’ video went viral, garnering more than 10 lakh views.

The actor’s eyes were harvested as per his pledge. The body was taken to his Sadashivanagar residence from where it was shifted to Kanteerava Stadium in the evening for public viewing. His body will lie in state at the stadium on Saturday. Puneeth’s last rites will be performed with full state honours on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.