Puneeth Rajkumar
Puneeth Rajkumar | |
|---|---|
| File:MY FAVORITE.jpg | |
| Born | March 17, 1975 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Power Star, Appu, Lohith |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Spouse | Ashwini Revanath |
| Children | Drithi Vanditha |
| Parent(s) | Rajkumar, Parvathamma Rajkumar |
Puneeth Rajkumar (born March 17, 1975) is an Indian film actor who acts in Kannada films and the youngest son of Kannada superstar Dr Rajkumar and the younger brother of leading KFI star Shivaraj Kumar. As a child artist, he appeared in 12 films. He won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for the film Bettada Hoovu in 1986.[1]
After having appeared in films as a child actor in the 1980s, Puneeth rajkumar made his film debut in a leading role in Appu. The film was a huge hit. He has been noted for his performances in films like Abhi (2003), Aakash (2005), Arasu (2007), Milana (2007), Jackie (2010). He is currently the highest paid actor in Kannada Film Industry at 5 crores per movie.[2][3]
He has the most commercially successful movie hit rate with all of his movies netting huge profit. He has 17 films in a row that have stayed in theatres for minimum of 100 days, a rare achievement in the Indian film industry.[4] He hosts the quiz show Kannadada Kotyadhipati which is modeled on the Hindi show Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, which was in turn modeled on the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? hosted by Chris Tarrant.[5]
Biography
Puneeth Rajkumar was born as Lohith to Kannada Film Industry Matinee Idol Dr Rajkumar[6] and producer Parvathamma Rajkumar. He is their fifth and youngest child.
He started his film career when he was six months old in Premada Kanike[7] and also appeared in Sanadi Appanna[8] when he was one year old. He appeared as a son for his real father in many movies such as Yarivanu,Vasantha Geetha,Chalisuva Modagalu and so on . He left school at a very early age and began to act in movies. He studied with a private teacher at his home and later received a Diploma in Computer Science. He then started his career in a mining business before entering the film industry in leading roles. He was trained in dancing and fighting for three years before his first film as a hero. Puneeth has had training in Kalarippayattu, one of the oldest Indian Martial arts.
Debut as an actor
His acting career really started with the movie Vasantha Geetha, where he performed well when he was 5 years old.[citation needed] Following this movie he worked in a few more popular movies between 1980 to 1984. In 1985 he worked on Bettada Hoovu and was honored with a National Film Award for Best Child Artist.[9]
Child artist (Mostly as Lohith)
His initial name was Lohit. Later the name was changed to Puneeth Rajkumar. A lot of people in Karnataka still know him by "APPU" [10] As a child artist he appeared in 12 movies: 'Premada Kanike' (6 month-old child), 'Sanadi Appanna' (1 year-old child), 'Vasantha Geetha', Bhagyavantha, Hosa Belaku, Chalisuva modagalu, Bhaktha prahlaada, Eradu nakshatragalu, Bettada hoovu, Yaarivanu, Shiva Mechchida Kannappa and Parashuram.He costared his father in 11 out of 12 movies.
Lead roles
After his performances in movies as a child artist, he re-entered the film industry in 2002 as the protagonist of the movie Appu which was remade in Telugu as Idiot and in Tamil as Dum in subsequent years under the direction of Puri Jaganath who directed his brother Shivaraj kumar in the movie Yuvaraja. He received awards for the films Arasu and Milana.
In 2009, he starred in Raaj-The Showman which got mixed reviews from critics.[11] In 2010,.[12] prithvi ,IAS officer role ,The movie got critical appreciation for its bold portrayal of ongoing politics in Karnataka.[13][14] He won accolades from both critics and audiences for his role in the 2010 blockbuster movie Jackie where he played a character that's rustic and local, yet charming and suave.[15][16]
He acted in 3movies in the year 2011, including Hudugaru, which was a multi-starrer.[17] The other 2 included Paramathma[18] under the direction of director Yograj Bhat. followed by Anna Bond to be directed by Soori.[19] the hit director who had directed him in Jackie. Anna Bond is scheduled for release on 1 May 2012
Singing career
Apart from acting Puneeth has also had a singing career. He has sung since his childhood in all his movies as a child artist. Kanadante Mayavadanu from Chalisuva Modagalu is one of his major hit songs as a child artist. He even sung with legendary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in his movie Bettada Hoovu. When he entered as a male lead he also began singing at least one song in all his films.
It is usual for music directors of his movies to record a song in his voice, as most of his songs have mass appeal. From his first movie Appu, he was using his voice for solo songs mostly. With the song Jothe Jotheyali from the movie Vamshi he sang duets too which became a hit song of 2008.[20] In 2010 he sang another fast-number in his hit movie Jackie after which he rendered voice to his brother Shivrajkumar's film titled "lava kusha" and Mylari.[21] Now Puneeth has given voice for Golden Star Ganesh movie Shyloo.
Other Interests
Before entering the film industry he was actively involved in a Home Banner Vajreshwari Combines' film distribution job in Karnataka, this still continues. He produced some of the movies made for their brothers Shivaraj Kumar as well as Raghavendra Rajkumar. Two TV serials were also produced by him.
In the movie Akasmika he designed the costumes of Rajkumar.
Puneeth has knowledge of SteadiCam which is used in films to shoot scenes like stunts and car chases. Learning about new brand cameras and high definition lenses to movies is probably his favorite hobby.
As per the wishes of his father Rajkumar, he along with his brothers and family have built a hotel in Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru called Dr. Raj International.[22]
Puneeth has also involved himself in philanthropic works with his mother Parvathamma Rajkumar and carries this out in an Ashram called Shakti Dhama in Mysooru.[23]
Brand endorsement
He is the brand ambassador for fSquare, Malabar Gold,[24] Manappuram [25] and for a dance show called "DHEE". Also his decision to be brand ambassador for state-owned Karnataka Milk Federation without any remuneration for its product "Nandini", has been praised by media and fans.[26][27] Decades ago his father Dr Rajkumar also became the brand ambassador for "Nandini" milk products without taking remuneration, which had helped KMF products to increase sales in the Karnataka State and outside too.[28]
He is now the brand ambassador of Royal Challengers Bangalore, an IPL team.[29] He has replaced Upendra, who was the brand ambassador of the team in 2008 and 2009.
Filmography
Child artist
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Premada Kanike | Child artist | |
| 1977 | Sanaadi Appanna | Child artist | |
| 1980 | Vasantha Geetha | Shyaam | |
| 1981 | Bhagyavantha | Krishna | |
| Thayige Thakka Maga | Child artist | ||
| Bhoomige Banda Bhagavanta | Lord Krishna | ||
| 1982 | Hosa Belaku | Puttu | |
| Chalisuva Modagalu | Ramu | ||
| 1983 | Bhakta Prahlada | Prahlada | |
| Eradu Nakshatragalu | Raja | ||
| 1984 | Yaarivanu | Shyaam | |
| 1985 | Bettada Hoovu | Ramu | Winner, National Film Award for Best Child Artist |
| 1988 | Shiva Mechchida Kannappa | Child artist | |
| 1989 | Parashuram | Appu |
Lead role
| No | Year | Film | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002 | Appu | Appu | Puri Jagannath | Remade to Telugu as Idiot and in Tamil as Dum & Bengali as Priya Amar Priya |
| 2 | 2003 | Abhi | Abhi | Dinesh Babu | |
| 3 | 2004 | Veera Kannadiga | Munna | Meher Ramesh | |
| 4 | 2004 | Maurya | Manu | S. Narayan | |
| 5 | 2005 | Aakash | Aakash | Mahesh Babu | |
| 6 | 2005 | Namma Basava | Basava | Veera Shankar | |
| 7 | 2006 | Ajay | Ajay) | Meher Ramesh | |
| 8 | 2007 | Arasu | Shivaraj Urs | Mahesh Babu | Winner, Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Kannada) |
| 9 | 2007 | Milana | Aakash | Prakash | Winner, Karnataka State Best Actor Award Dubbed to Malayalam [30] |
| 10 | 2008 | Bindaas | Shivu | D. Rajendra Babu | |
| 11 | 2008 | Vamshi | Vamshi | Prakash | |
| 12 | 2009 | Raaj - The Showman | Mutturaja | Prem | |
| 13 | 2009 | Raam | Raam | K. Madesh | |
| 14 | 2010 | Prithvi | Prithvi Kumar | Jacob Varghese | Winner, Karnataka State Best Actor Award |
| 15 | 2010 | Jackie | Janakirama aka Jackie |
Duniya Soori | Dubbed in Telugu |
| 16 | 2011 | Hudugaru | Prabhu | K. Madesh | Winner', Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada
Winner, SIIMA awards for Best Actor |
| 17 | 2011 | Paramathma | Paramathma | Yogaraj Bhat[18] | |
| 18 | 2012 | Anna Bond | Bond Ravi | Duniya Soori | Released on 1 May 2012.[19] |
| 19 | 2012 | Yaare Koogadali | Samuthirakani | Remake of Tamil film Porali Announced |
TV shows
| No | Year | Show name | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010 | Dhee | Host | ETV | This is his first entry to small screen |
| 2 | 2012 | Kannadada Kotyadhipati[32] | Host | Suvarna | This is his second appearance to small screen, which is aired on 12March,2012 |
Personal life
He married Ashwini Revanath at the age of 24 and they have two daughters Drithi and Vandhita.[9]
Awards and honours
State awards
- Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor - Milana - 2008
- Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor - Prithvi - 2010
Filmfare awards
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Kannada) - Arasu - 2007
- Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Kannada) - Hudugaru - 2012[33]
SIIMA awards
- Siima Award for Best Actor (Kannada) - Hudugaru - 2012
Other awards
- Suvarna channel movie awards - Best actor for the movie Jackie - 2010
- Vivel best actor Udaya Film Awards for the movie Jackie - 2010
References
- ^ Shivkamal, Aravind G (2010-06-29). "Puneeth Rajkumar: The impeccable aura of the Powerstar continues to dazzle". Southscope.in. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ Suresh, Sunayana (2009-10-11). "Puneeth Rajkumar says he's the least paid actor...he has 2.25 cr reasons to be sad". DNA. Sunday; Mumbai.
- ^ The Times of India - Puneethh Rajkumar - I'M THE LOWEST PAID ACTOR
- ^ Kannada Prabha - OæÄÑÚ¥Ú ËÚÃ¥æªVæ }ÚM¥æ¾æßÞ ÑÚàµ~%, ÑÚÁÚ×Ú}æ @ÈÚÂM¥ÚÅæÞ OÚÆ}Ú¥Úߧ
- ^ Tantri, Balaraj (2012-01-04). "ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿಗೆ ನೂಕುನುಗ್ಗಲು, 4ಲಕ್ಷ ಎಸ್ಎಂಎಸ್- 04 over lac sms for kannadada kotyadipathi - Oneindia Kannada". Kannada.oneindia.in. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "Rajkumar (actor) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "Naa Bidalare Ninnanu - Premada Kanike - Rajkumar Hits". YouTube. 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "Naane Thaayi Naane Thande - Sanadi Appanna (1977) - Kannada". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ a b "Puneet Rajkumar Biography | Kannada Actor | Fact File | Photo Gallery | Wallpapers | Videos | News | Oneindia.in". Popcorn.oneindia.in. 1975-03-17. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "Puneet Rajkumar Biography". Cinebasti.com. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ "Prithvi is a treat for Puneeth fans: Rediff.com Movies". Movies.rediff.com. 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ "Bellary beauty". Bellitere.com. 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ Puneethh is Peerless ‘Jackie’ is Excellent
- ^ DNA India - Jackie review: What a story!
- ^ Puneethh Rajkumar's next film titled Hudugaru
- ^ a b The Hindu - In the name of God
- ^ a b Puneeth to work with Soori
- ^ "Desi Shock Media Videos". Media.desishock.com. 2010-02-06. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ Myalri creates a big buzz
- ^ "Dr Rajkumar International Hotel Bangalore hotel in Bangalore, India - Dr Rajkumar International Hotel Bangalore travel guide". tripwolf. 2009-12-31. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ "Punith Rajkumar Bio Profile Childhood Pics Wife Marriage Daughter Family Photos". Youthindies.Com. 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "The Hindu - Puneeth Rajkumar is brand ambassador of Malabar Gold". Ddd.in.com. 2009-07-31. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ "MANAPPURAM FINANCE - Gold Loan | Loan against Gold Ornaments | Loan against Gold Jewellery | Jewel Loan". Manappuram.com. 2010-03-31. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ "Puneeth is KMF brand ambassador". Deccanherald.com. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ "Puneethh Rajkumar | KMF | Brand Ambassador | G Somasekar Reddy | Nandini Milk | ಕೆಎಂಎಫ್ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ರಾಯಭಾರಿ ಪುನೀತ್". Thatskannada.oneindia.in. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
- ^ [3][dead link]
- ^ "Brand Ambassador". Chitraloka.com. 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
- ^ "Free forum : resenje za Maju". Maja.up-with.com. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ Paramath
- ^ Prakash (2012-02-29). "What Puneet Rajkumar calls his computer in Kannadada Kotyadhipati?". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- ^ "Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2012-07-12.