Puneeth Rajkumar, born
on 17 March 1975, affectionately known as Appu (by his fans, after
his first lead role in the movie Appu), was an Indian actor, playback
singer, film producer, television presenter and philanthropist who worked
in Kannada cinema. He was the
youngest son of legendary actor and matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar. He was one
of the most popular actors in Kannada cinema. He appeared as a lead in 32
films. As a child, he appeared in many films. His performances as a child actor
in Vasantha Geetha (1980), Bhagyavantha (1981), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982),
Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), Bhakta Prahaladha (1983), Yarivanu (1984) and
Bettada Hoovu (1985) were praised. He won the National Film Award for Best
Child Artist for his role of Ramu in Bettada Hoovu. He also won Karnataka
State Award Best Child artist for Chalisuva Modagalu and Eradu
Nakshatragalu. Puneeth's first lead role was in 2002's Appu. In a career
spanning three decades, he has won one National Film Award, four Karnataka
State Film Awards, six Filmfare Awards South and five SIIMA awards. He was
conferred with the Doctorate by Mysuru University. The Karnataka
Government conferred the state's highest civilian award, Karnataka
Ratna, to Puneeth Rajkumar on 1 November 2022, posthumously.
