Puneeth Rajkumar on life and living, family and films and more
TNN | Oct 29, 2021, 04.59 PM IST
On Friday, Puneeth Rajkumar, the Power Star of Kannada cinema, succumbed to a heart attack late in the morning. The actor's fans and well-wishers were left heartbroken. His closest friends, family and colleagues were present at a private hospital, from where his mortal remains were taken for public viewing. We take a look at some of the times when the actor, TV host, producer and fitness enthusiast shared his views on various things.
Also See: Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar Death Live Updates
On the lockdown and pandemicIt was a period of reconnecting with all of my favourite films of Appaji... such joy in watching those movies and getting fresh perspectives. It was the biggest highlight of being at home, besides, of course, that I got to spend so much time with Ashwini and the kids.
This second wave has hit closer home and all of us have suffered personal losses in some way. Initially, I was hurt by everything that was happening around us. I started coming to grips with it slowly and now my only focus is to ensure that all near-and-dear ones, neighbours and everyone else whom we know, are safe at home.
On OTT
OTT is a game-changer. The idea is to constantly experiment with innovative genres. Sometimes we make mistakes, but that’s how we learn and up the game. When filmmakers come to you with the aim of making a good film, if you share their passion, you should help them reach their goal and that is what we are doing with this production house. Across the world, there are films that are made exclusively for OTT and others that are for big-screen viewing. I am sure theatrical releases will resume soon, and we are all waiting for it, but that is a different issue. At this point of time, this is what works and that is why we decided to try this release model.
On his bannerI would say it is a banner for good Kannada cinema. Good content is definitely a clincher, but it should also be an entertainer. I really don’t believe in the classifications - content-oriented, commercial, or even bridge cinema. I am looking for films that are enjoyable from start to finish. The goal is also to give a platform for talent, which could be new in the industry. A lot of them have very good scripts, which only bodes well for the Kannada film industry.
On health and fitness
Focus on the health of your family and only think of the good moments you’ve had in life. You should also enquire about the well-being of those close to you. Please don’t self-prescribe treatments by looking up the internet; always consult a doctor. And, most importantly, keep yourself upbeat and positive. Watch fun films, play with your kids and keep spirits high. I’m personally looking forward to the day when kids are back in the playgrounds and in their uniforms to go to school.
On supporting campaigns
It is always a pleasure to support state and central government campaigns, it is our way of giving back to society. This particular campaign hit home, as I'm also a father to two girls. Women are the reason we exist, our mothers, sisters and daughters are the driving forces in our lives. Hence, it is necessary that women need to have the freedom to travel wherever they want at all times, without hampering their work.
On the importance of voting
Don't waste your vote. Please ensure that you go out and cast your vote on that day and not allow someone else to misuse the opportunity. Voting is one of the fundamental rights given to you in a democracy, so choose a candidate who will safeguard you in your area. It is very important for all of us to vote, especially the youth who have turned 18 or are voting for the first time. We have to ensure the percentage of voting goes up. While the onus is on choosing the right candidate, for that one needs to be a responsible citizen and first go out and vote.
On choosing a film
I look forward to working with more people and learning newer things. Language is never a barrier when it comes to technical work. A director can be from any industry since the only thing that matters is how good their previous films were. I have worked with directors from many film industries and have not found any difference between them and those from Karnataka.
On starting a new film
Each time a film starts, it’s a new project that I undertake, and when I am done with it, it feels like I am writing a major exam, so the pressure is always there.
Also See: Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar Death Live Updates
On the lockdown and pandemicIt was a period of reconnecting with all of my favourite films of Appaji... such joy in watching those movies and getting fresh perspectives. It was the biggest highlight of being at home, besides, of course, that I got to spend so much time with Ashwini and the kids.
This second wave has hit closer home and all of us have suffered personal losses in some way. Initially, I was hurt by everything that was happening around us. I started coming to grips with it slowly and now my only focus is to ensure that all near-and-dear ones, neighbours and everyone else whom we know, are safe at home.
On OTT
OTT is a game-changer. The idea is to constantly experiment with innovative genres. Sometimes we make mistakes, but that’s how we learn and up the game. When filmmakers come to you with the aim of making a good film, if you share their passion, you should help them reach their goal and that is what we are doing with this production house. Across the world, there are films that are made exclusively for OTT and others that are for big-screen viewing. I am sure theatrical releases will resume soon, and we are all waiting for it, but that is a different issue. At this point of time, this is what works and that is why we decided to try this release model.
On his bannerI would say it is a banner for good Kannada cinema. Good content is definitely a clincher, but it should also be an entertainer. I really don’t believe in the classifications - content-oriented, commercial, or even bridge cinema. I am looking for films that are enjoyable from start to finish. The goal is also to give a platform for talent, which could be new in the industry. A lot of them have very good scripts, which only bodes well for the Kannada film industry.
On health and fitness
Focus on the health of your family and only think of the good moments you’ve had in life. You should also enquire about the well-being of those close to you. Please don’t self-prescribe treatments by looking up the internet; always consult a doctor. And, most importantly, keep yourself upbeat and positive. Watch fun films, play with your kids and keep spirits high. I’m personally looking forward to the day when kids are back in the playgrounds and in their uniforms to go to school.
On supporting campaigns
It is always a pleasure to support state and central government campaigns, it is our way of giving back to society. This particular campaign hit home, as I'm also a father to two girls. Women are the reason we exist, our mothers, sisters and daughters are the driving forces in our lives. Hence, it is necessary that women need to have the freedom to travel wherever they want at all times, without hampering their work.
On the importance of voting
Don't waste your vote. Please ensure that you go out and cast your vote on that day and not allow someone else to misuse the opportunity. Voting is one of the fundamental rights given to you in a democracy, so choose a candidate who will safeguard you in your area. It is very important for all of us to vote, especially the youth who have turned 18 or are voting for the first time. We have to ensure the percentage of voting goes up. While the onus is on choosing the right candidate, for that one needs to be a responsible citizen and first go out and vote.
On choosing a film
I look forward to working with more people and learning newer things. Language is never a barrier when it comes to technical work. A director can be from any industry since the only thing that matters is how good their previous films were. I have worked with directors from many film industries and have not found any difference between them and those from Karnataka.
On starting a new film
Each time a film starts, it’s a new project that I undertake, and when I am done with it, it feels like I am writing a major exam, so the pressure is always there.