Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar passed away due to cardiac arrest last month. He was 46. The news of his passing shook the entire film industry. Celebrities including Rana Daggubati, Yash and others paid tribute to the late actor. And now, in a gesture to celebrate his legacy, a baby elephant in Sakrebailu elephant camp in Shivamogga district has been named after him.
The actor had visited the camp days before his death. As per ANI, the Deputy Conservator of Forest (wildlife) Nagaraj said that the elephant is named after the power star as a tribute to him. The elephant was named after the actor during weaning, a process in which the baby elephant is separated from its mother.
Reacting to the news, an emotional fan on Twitter commented, "The great legend actor of Kannada film industry one and only power star Puneeth Rajkumar forever." Another wrote, "We love you forever Appu sir miss you so much." ALSO READ:Kannada Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar Laid To Rest With State Honours; Thousands Of Fans Flock To Pay Last Respects
#WATCH | Karnataka: The Forest Department has named a two-year-old elephant calf at Sakrebailu elephant camp near Shivamogga after actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who passed away recently. pic.twitter.com/RtHdJ1hRVU
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2021
The late actor appeared in many films. His performances in Vasantha Geetha, Bhagyavantha, Chalisuva Modagalu, Eradu Nakshatragalu were praised. His most recent release was Yuvarathnaa directed by Santhosh Ananddram. He had recently wrapped up the shoot of 'James' with director Chethan Kumar and was to begin work on 'Dvitva'.
Image Source:Instagram/PuneethRajkumar