For me, Puneeth will remain the gentle, caring co-star I began my career with: Rakshitha

It is hard to summarise someone's life in a few words. I don't know how anyone can do that.

Appu

and I go back to when I was eight years old, when I recall painting alongside him. He was more family than a co-star or colleague. I then recall our days at

Shiamak Davar

's dance class, where he was such a good dancer. We then began our journey as actors with Appu.

Also See: Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar Death Live Updates


One of the scenes that remains fresh in my mind is one where we shared a laugh. We had to enact a romantic scene and he jokingly asked me if I felt anything and I said ‘no’ and we both giggled over that. He and I have shared a journey together. He was a man of good values and loved his family.

Puneeth

and I recently met on the set of the dance reality show that I am a judge for. We enacted our iconic romantic scene from Appu, much to everyone's delight. He always had kind words to say about me when we met and that is something that is testimony to his character. I remember being there when he lost his parents and through his happy moments too. He has also acted in a film directed by my husband.
What angers me is how there are a few insensitive souls who are sharing pictures of his mortal remains on their social media pages. Everyone needs to understand what the family is going through and respect their privacy right now.
It is hard for me to express what I feel, as it is an entire journey and not just a few emotions. For me, Puneeth will remain the gentle, caring co-star I began my career with and I pray for the health and well-being of his family.

- As told to Sunayana Suresh