The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced the posthumous award of Karnataka Ratna award to late actor Puneeth Rajkumar. Puneeth is set to be the 10th person to receive the highest civilian honour in the state. Dr Virendra Hegde was last honoured with the award for social service in 2009. Puneeth Rajkumar died of cardiac arrest on October 29 at the age of 46.
Announcement made during tribute programme: According to media reports, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai made the announcement amid a tribute programme 'Puneeth Namana' by the Karnataka Movie Chamber of Commerce. Puneeth, who ruled Kannada cinema, was the youngest of Dr Rajkumar's 5 children. The CM said that after discussions with many people, I have decided to honour Puneeth Rajkumar with the Karnataka Ratna posthumously. Since Puneeth's death, there has been a demand for a posthumous Padma Shri award. The function was attended by former CM BS Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah, Cabinet associate of Bommai, state Congress chief DK Shivakumar, Kannada and South Indian movie personalities.
Samadhi site to be developed: Chief Minister Bommai has said that there have been a lot of suggestions to immortalize Puneeth Rajkumar's name. I want to say that the will of the Government is the same. His last resting place is to be developed like his parents Dr Rajkumar and Parvatamma Rajkumar. Puneeth was cremated with full state honours at Dr Rajkumar Punyabhoomi at Kantirava Studios on October 31.
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