History of Puneeth Rajkumar in Timeline

Puneeth Rajkumar, widely known as Appu, was a prominent Indian actor, philanthropist, singer, TV presenter, and producer specializing in Kannada cinema. As the son of legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, he captivated audiences from a young age, earning a National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role in *Bettada Hoovu*. His career, spanning three decades, included lead roles in 32 films and numerous accolades such as four Karnataka State Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards South. His contributions to cinema and philanthropy led to him being posthumously awarded the Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian award in Karnataka.

March 1975: Birth and Family Background

Puneeth Rajkumar (born Lohith) was born in March 1975 in Madras (now Chennai) to actor Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar. He was the youngest of five children.

March 1975: Puneeth Rajkumar's Birth

Puneeth Rajkumar was born in March 1975, the youngest son of legendary Indian actor Dr. Rajkumar.

1976: First On-screen Appearance

Puneeth made his first on-screen appearance at six months old in the film 'Premada Kanike' in 1976.

1977: Appearance in 'Sanaadi Appanna'

At one year old, Puneeth appeared in the film 'Sanaadi Appanna,' based on a novel of the same name.

1978: 'Thayige Thakka Maga' Release

Puneeth appeared alongside his father in the 1978 film 'Thayige Thakka Maga.'

1980: Debut as a Child Artist

Puneeth Rajkumar made his acting debut as a child artist in the film 'Vasantha Geetha' in 1980.

1980: Role in 'Vasantha Geetha'

Puneeth played the character of Shyam in the 1980 film 'Vasantha Geetha.'

1981: Notable Performance in 'Bhagyavantha'

Puneeth garnered recognition for his role in the 1981 film 'Bhagyavantha,' where he also sang his first popular song, 'Baana Daariyalli Soorya.'

1981: Portrayal of Lord Krishna

Puneeth took on the role of Lord Krishna in the 1981 mythological drama 'Bhoomige Banda Bhagavantha.'

1982: Success with 'Chalisuva Modagalu' and 'Hosa Belaku'

Puneeth appeared in two successful films in 1982, 'Chalisuva Modagalu' and 'Hosa Belaku,' both starring his father.

1982: First Karnataka State Film Award

Puneeth's performance in 'Chalisuva Modagalu' in 1982 earned him his first Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor.

1983: Acclaim for Mythological Roles

Puneeth appeared in two mythological films in 1983, 'Bhakta Prahlada' and 'Eradu Nakshatragalu,' receiving critical acclaim for his performances.

1983: Second Karnataka State Film Award

Puneeth received his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor for his performance in the 1983 film 'Eradu Nakshatragalu.'

1984: Singing Debut in 'Yarivanu'

Puneeth sang 'Kannige Kaanuva' in the 1984 film 'Yarivanu,' marking his singing debut.

1984: Performance in 'Yarivanu'

Puneeth starred alongside his father in the 1984 thriller 'Yarivanu,' showcasing his acting and singing talents.

1985: National Film Award for 'Bettada Hoovu'

Puneeth's performance as Ramu in the 1985 film 'Bettada Hoovu' won him the National Film Award for Best Child Artist.

1985: Critical Acclaim for 'Bettada Hoovu'

Puneeth's performance in the 1985 film 'Bettada Hoovu' earned him widespread critical acclaim and a National Film Award.

1988: Collaboration with Brother in 'Shiva Mecchida Kannappa'

Puneeth acted alongside his brother Shiva Rajkumar in the 1988 film 'Shiva Mecchida Kannappa.'

1989: Final Child Role in 'Parashuram'

Puneeth's final role as a child artist was in the 1989 film 'Parashuram,' where he shared the screen with his father.

1994: Transition to Film Production

Puneeth Rajkumar began working as a manager in his family's production house in 1994.

1996: First Film as Manager

Puneeth's first film as manager was 'Geluvina Saradara' in 1996, starring his brother Raghavendra Rajkumar.

December 1999: Marriage to Ashwini Revanth

Puneeth Rajkumar married Ashwini Revanth in December 1999. They had two daughters, Drithi and Vanditha.

April 2002: Debut as Lead Actor in 'Appu'

Puneeth Rajkumar made his debut as a lead actor in the commercially successful film 'Appu' in April 2002.

2002: Lead Role in 'Appu'

Puneeth Rajkumar transitioned to a lead role with the commercially successful film 'Appu' in 2002.

2003: Releases of 'Abhi' and 'Dum'

Puneeth starred in 'Abhi' in 2003, and his film 'Appu' was remade in Tamil as 'Dum' the same year.

2003: 'Appu' Remade in Telugu

The film 'Appu' was remade in Telugu as 'Idiot' in 2003, showcasing Puneeth's widespread appeal.

2004: 'Veera Kannadiga' and 'Mourya'

Puneeth appeared in two action-drama films in 2004, 'Veera Kannadiga' and 'Mourya,' showcasing his versatility as an actor.

2005: 'Aakash' and 'Namma Basava'

Puneeth had two releases in 2005, the romantic drama 'Aakash' and the action film 'Namma Basava.'

2006: Dr. Rajkumar passes away

Dr. Rajkumar, Puneeth's father and a legendary actor who served as KMF's brand ambassador, passed away.

2006: Action Film 'Ajay'

Puneeth starred in the action film 'Ajay' in 2006, solidifying his position as a prominent action hero.

2006: Critical Acclaim for 'Ajay'

Puneeth's performance in the 2006 action film 'Ajay,' a remake of the Telugu film 'Okkadu,' earned him critical acclaim.

2007: 'Arasu' and 'Milana' Success

Puneeth starred in and produced 'Arasu' and also had a lead role in 'Milana' in 2007, both of which were successful.

2008: Release of Bindaas and Vamshi

Puneeth Rajkumar starred in two films released in 2008: "Bindaas," directed by D. Rajendra Babu, and "Vamshi," directed by Prakash.

2008: Release of 'Vamshi'

Puneeth starred in the film 'Vamshi' in 2008, continuing his successful career in Kannada cinema.

2009: Release of Raaj - The Showman and Raam

In 2009, Puneeth starred in "Raaj - The Showman," directed by Prem, which received mixed reviews despite praise for his performance. His other 2009 release was "Raam," a remake of the Telugu film "Ready," co-starring Priyamani.

2009: Release of 'Raam'

Puneeth Rajkumar starred in the action film 'Raam' in 2009.

2010: Release of Prithvi and Jackie

Puneeth Rajkumar returned to success in 2010 with two hits: the political thriller "Prithvi," where he played a bureaucrat fighting corruption, and the action film "Jackie."

2010: Release of 'Jackie'

Puneeth's film 'Jackie' was released in 2010, further cementing his star power.

2011: Puneeth Rajkumar becomes KMF Brand Ambassador

Following in his father's footsteps, Puneeth Rajkumar became the brand ambassador for the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) without receiving any compensation.

2011: Release of Hudugaru and Paramathma

Puneeth starred in "Hudugaru," a remake of "Nadodigal," in 2011, earning him accolades for his performance. He also appeared in the travelogue "Paramathma" as a character seeking love.

2011: Release of 'Hudugaru'

Puneeth starred in the action-comedy film 'Hudugaru' in 2011.

2012: Puneeth Hosts Kannadada Kotyadhipati

Puneeth Rajkumar began hosting the Kannada version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," "Kannadada Kotyadhipati," in 2012, achieving considerable success.

2012: Television Debut with 'Kannadada Kotyadhipati'

Puneeth made his television debut as the host of the game show 'Kannadada Kotyadhipati' in 2012.

2012: Release of Anna Bond and Yaare Koogadali

Puneeth starred in the action film "Anna Bond" in 2012, garnering him a Suvarna Best Actor award. He also appeared in the Tamil remake "Yaare Koogadali."

2013: Puneeth Supports Right to Education

Puneeth Rajkumar and Radhika Pandit became brand ambassadors for the Right to Education (RTE) initiative in 2013, promoting awareness and enrollment in schools.

2014: Release of Ninnindale and Power***

Puneeth's 2014 releases included the romantic film "Ninnindale," which was critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful, and the action film "Power***," a Telugu remake featuring him as a police officer and co-starring Trisha for the first time.

2014: Release of 'Power'

Puneeth's action film 'Power' hit theatres in 2014.

2015: Release of Mythri and Rana Vikrama

Puneeth appeared in "Mythri" alongside Mohanlal and Bhavana, playing himself, and also starred in the action film "Rana Vikrama" with Adah Sharma and Anjali.

March 2016: Release of Chakravyuha and Doddmane Hudga

Puneeth Rajkumar worked on two films in March 2016: "Chakravyuha" and "Doddmane Hudga."

2017: Release of Raajakumara and Anjani Putra

In 2017, Puneeth starred in "Raajakumara," a record-breaking Kannada film, and "Anjani Putra" alongside Rashmika Mandanna.

2017: 'Raajakumara' and 'Anjani Putra'

Puneeth starred in two films in 2017, the family drama 'Raajakumara' and the action film 'Anjani Putra.'

2019: Puneeth Rajkumar becomes BMTC Brand Ambassador

Puneeth Rajkumar became the brand ambassador for the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) in 2019, advocating for public transportation without accepting any payment.

2019: Release of Natasaarvabhowma

Puneeth's film "Natasaarvabhowma" was released in 2019 and achieved commercial success.

March 2020: Puneeth Supports COVID-19 Relief Efforts

During the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Puneeth Rajkumar actively participated in raising awareness about safety measures and donated Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

October 2021: Puneeth Rajkumar Passes Away

Puneeth Rajkumar passed away in October 2021 at 46 due to a heart attack. He donated his eyes, giving the gift of sight to four individuals.

November 2021: Surge in Eye Donations in Karnataka Following Puneeth Rajkumar's Initiative

In November 2021, after Puneeth Rajkumar's eye donation, Karnataka witnessed a remarkable surge in eye pledges. Narayana Nethralaya, home to Dr. Rajkumar's eye bank, reported a significant increase from 76,000 pledges over 30 years to an additional one lakh donations in the 10 months following November 2021.

2021: Release of 'Yuvarathnaa'

Puneeth's film 'Yuvarathnaa' was released in 2021, shortly before his untimely death.

March 2022: Posthumous Release of James

"James," Puneeth's final film in a leading role, premiered posthumously on his 47th birthday, becoming a box-office success and breaking records.

October 2022: Release of 'Gandhada Gudi'

Puneeth's last film, 'Gandhada Gudi,' a docu-drama, was released in October 2022, marking his first death anniversary.

November 2022: Posthumous Karnataka Ratna Award

In November 2022, Puneeth Rajkumar was posthumously awarded the Karnataka Ratna, the state's highest civilian award, for his contributions to cinema and philanthropy.

November 2022: PRK Audio's YouTube Channel Reaches Milestone

Puneeth Rajkumar's music label, PRK Audio, achieved a significant milestone in November 2022, surpassing 15.1 lakh subscribers on its YouTube channel.