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Kannada Presenter and Actor Rakesh Poojary Passes Away From Heart Attack at 33
Updated on: 12 May, 2025 04:32 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Rakesh Poojary
The Kannada entertainment industry is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Rakesh Poojary, a well-loved television presenter, comedian, and actor. Known widely for winning the third season of the popular reality show `Comedy Khiladigalu`, Rakesh passed away at the young age of 33 due to a sudden heart attack early on Monday, May 12.
Adding to the poignancy, Rakesh had shared a cheerful photograph with friends from the wedding event on his Instagram Stories just hours before the fatal incident. Confirming the heartbreaking news, fellow actor Shivraj KR Pete shared his grief on Instagram, poignantly asking, “How do we pray for peace for a soul that brought smiles to so many hearts?”
Also Read: Sonu Nigam`s Song Removed From Kannada Film Amidst Bengaluru Concert Controversy
Beyond television, Rakesh had a presence in theatre and films. He appeared in notable Kannada movies such as `Pailwan` and `Itu Entha Lokavayya` and also featured in Tulu films like `Petkammi` and `Ammer Police`. Reports also suggested he was part of the cast for the upcoming film `Kantara: Chapter 1`.
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from industry colleagues, friends, and fans. Actress Rakshitha, who judged `Comedy Khiladigalu`, expressed her deep sorrow on social media. She remembered Rakesh fondly, sharing multiple stories. In one, she wrote, "The ever smiling Rakesha...my fav Rakesha.. the most sweetest kindest loving person... Namma Rakesha will miss u magne".
She further added, "Not able to come to terms that I will never be able to talk to Rakesha anymore .. comedy khiladigalu is a show very close to my heart, n Rakesha was one person who always stood apart from the rest .. The most beautiful person that he was ... what a talent n even off camera the most perfect guy I knew ... Rakesha u will always live in our hearts". Rakesh Poojary`s last rites will be conducted in his hometown.
Also Read: Tragedy Strikes Kantara 2 Set: Junior Artist Dies in Drowning Accident
Rakesh`s untimely death has sadly cast a spotlight on a worrying health trend in India – the increasing incidence of heart attacks among young adults. Health experts suggest that unhealthy lifestyle choices prevalent among younger generations, including long work hours, irregular sleep, high stress levels, poor dietary habits, and minimal physical activity, are significant contributing factors.
Often, underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol go undetected without regular health check-ups. Furthermore, significant mental stress can also negatively impact cardiovascular health. Rakesh`s passing is a sombre reminder of the vital importance of proactive health management for all ages.
Tragic Demise at a Friend`s Celebration
The unfortunate incident occurred while Rakesh was celebrating at a friend`s pre-wedding mehendi ceremony near Nitte, in the Karkala taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. According to reports, he was actively participating in the festivities, dancing joyfully, when he collapsed unexpectedly around 2 am. He was immediately taken to a hospital, but tragically, medical professionals declared him deceased upon arrival.Adding to the poignancy, Rakesh had shared a cheerful photograph with friends from the wedding event on his Instagram Stories just hours before the fatal incident. Confirming the heartbreaking news, fellow actor Shivraj KR Pete shared his grief on Instagram, poignantly asking, “How do we pray for peace for a soul that brought smiles to so many hearts?”
Also Read: Sonu Nigam`s Song Removed From Kannada Film Amidst Bengaluru Concert Controversy
Rise to Fame and Career Highlights
Hailing from Karkala, Udupi, Rakesh Poojary, affectionately nicknamed `Vishwaroop`, carved a niche for himself in the Kannada entertainment scene. His journey to fame began prominently with `Comedy Khiladigalu`, where his team finished as runners-up in the second season. His popularity surged when he led his team to victory in the third season of the Zee Kannada show, making him a household name in Kannada television comedy.Beyond television, Rakesh had a presence in theatre and films. He appeared in notable Kannada movies such as `Pailwan` and `Itu Entha Lokavayya` and also featured in Tulu films like `Petkammi` and `Ammer Police`. Reports also suggested he was part of the cast for the upcoming film `Kantara: Chapter 1`.
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from industry colleagues, friends, and fans. Actress Rakshitha, who judged `Comedy Khiladigalu`, expressed her deep sorrow on social media. She remembered Rakesh fondly, sharing multiple stories. In one, she wrote, "The ever smiling Rakesha...my fav Rakesha.. the most sweetest kindest loving person... Namma Rakesha will miss u magne".
She further added, "Not able to come to terms that I will never be able to talk to Rakesha anymore .. comedy khiladigalu is a show very close to my heart, n Rakesha was one person who always stood apart from the rest .. The most beautiful person that he was ... what a talent n even off camera the most perfect guy I knew ... Rakesha u will always live in our hearts". Rakesh Poojary`s last rites will be conducted in his hometown.
Also Read: Tragedy Strikes Kantara 2 Set: Junior Artist Dies in Drowning Accident
Rakesh`s untimely death has sadly cast a spotlight on a worrying health trend in India – the increasing incidence of heart attacks among young adults. Health experts suggest that unhealthy lifestyle choices prevalent among younger generations, including long work hours, irregular sleep, high stress levels, poor dietary habits, and minimal physical activity, are significant contributing factors.
Often, underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol go undetected without regular health check-ups. Furthermore, significant mental stress can also negatively impact cardiovascular health. Rakesh`s passing is a sombre reminder of the vital importance of proactive health management for all ages.
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