Actor Chiranjeevi on Saturday mourned the demise of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar and said it is a great loss for the Kannada film industry. Briefly speaking to the reporters on Saturday, Chiranjeevi said, "It is a great loss to Kannada film industry...losing our Appu, the Power Star of Karnataka. He was very close to our family... Many memories with him, right from his father Rajkumar's times."

Social media is flooded with condolence messages since the news of the untimely demise of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar broke. Bollywood celebrities also expressed grief on the passing away of the 'power star'. Actor Sanjay Dutt tweeted, "You were the kindest and the simplest person I've met. The world has lost another gem. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends. Om Shanti #PuneethRajkumar."