His biggest break as a child actor came in the 1985 drama Bettada Hoovu, directed by N. In 1984, Puneeth starred with Rajkumar in the thriller Yarivanu and sang "Kannige Kaanuva", written by Rajan–Nagendra. In 1983, he appeared in two mythological films: Bhakta Prahlada as the protagonist, Prahlada, and Eradu Nakshatragalu, for which he received his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor. For the former, Puneeth received his first Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor (Male). That year, he appeared in two hit films ( Chalisuva Modagalu and Hosa Belaku) with his father. Ranga's Bhagyavantha (1982), in which he recorded his first popular song: "Baana Daariyalli Soorya", composed by T. Swamy's mythological drama Bhoomige Banda Bhagavantha (1981, appearing as Lord Krishna) and B. Two years later, directors Dorai–Bhagavan cast him as Shyam in Vasantha Geetha (1980). Thayige Thakka Maga (1978) was again directed by V. This was followed by Vijay's Sanaadi Appanna (1977), based on Krishnamoorthy Puranik's novel of the same name, when Puneeth was one year old. Somashekar cast Puneeth (then known as Lohith) onscreen when he was six months old in his thriller film Premada Kanike (1976), and Aarathi. See also: Puneeth Rajkumar filmography 1976–1989: As child actor ĭirector V. He was the first Indian actor whose 24 movies completed 100 days run in theaters.
In 2012, he debuted as a television presenter on the game show Kannadada Kotyadhipati, a Kannada version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. He was one of the most famous celebrities and the highest-paid actors in the Kannada cinema. He has been dubbed by media and fans as "Power Star" and his films as an actor are primarily based on action and masala genre, but his PRK Production films, which are produced by him are primarily based comedy drama genre with family relationship and social-message are conveyed in his films. Karnataka Government has announced State's highest civilian award Karnataka Ratna for Puneeth, posthumously, in November 2021.
Puneeth's first lead role was in 2002's Appu. He also won Karnataka State Award Best Child artist for Chalisuva Modagalu and Eradu Nakshatragalu. He won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role of Ramu in Bettada Hoovu. His performances in Vasantha Geetha (1980), Bhagyavantha (1981), Chalisuva Modagalu (1982), Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983), Bhakta Prahaladha, Yarivanu and Bettada Hoovu (1985) were praised. He was a lead actor in 29 films as a child, he appeared in many films. One of the most popular actors in Kannada cinema and Indian cinema.
Puneeth Rajkumar (17 March 1975 – 29 October 2021), colloquially known as Appu, was an Indian actor, playback singer, television presenter, and producer who worked primarily in Kannada cinema.