Exclusive - TV actors Shobha Shetty, Tanuja Puttaswamy and Akarsh Byramudi share fond memories with late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar

Kannada ‘Power Star’ Puneeth Rajkumar aged 46 passed away on Friday noon after suffering a major cardiac arrest. The entire country has mourned the loss of the popular Kannada actor. To the actors, who hail from Karnataka, he is their beloved Appu Sir, much beyond just a superstar. Here's what Akarsh Byramudi, Shobha Shetty, and Tanuja Puttaswamy have to share about Puneeth Rajkumar in an exclusive chat with ETimes TV. Excerpts...

Not just me but my parents are also huge fans of Dr. Rajakumar and his family. I first saw him in the Kanteerava Studios. Despite being a superstar, he was unbelievably simple, greeting everyone around. He was very kind enough to appreciate our Kannada film, too. He was always there to encourage new talent. I feel life is too short and unpredictable to overthink, hate or hold a grudge against someone. We must live life to the fullest. All I can remember now is Appu sir and his ever-smiling face.

I saw Appu and have been a fan of him ever since. None can match up to his energy and enthusiasm. One of my relatives is married into his family, too and I've always heard great things about him even from close quarters in the family. He was unbelievably good, simple and the humblest superstar I've ever seen. The entire family is as like that. I think it's in their upbringing. One can learn how to handle fame, success from him and also how to stay humble as you grow.

He was very very fit. Even Chiranjeevi Sarja sir was but sadly both were gone too soon. We just wish a miracle could have saved both of them. But I also feel we must listen to our body and shouldn't ignore the signs it offers. We usually tend to assume and brush off any slightest symptoms of illness and delay the treatment which often complicates the proceedings.

I'm still unable to process this devastating news that he is no more ever since his manager confirmed to me. I was shivering to write or post anything about him. I don't think I can see him on the death bed. I've just texted him on Dussehra wishing him and he replied back blessing me. He was so fit but I think it's just a matter of time. As they say, God takes away all the good people first.

I was fortunate enough to share screen space with Appu Anna in the film Anjaniputra. I signed up for the film just because it is his film. Now, I realize had I not signed that film, I would have never met him. I still remember when my director first introduced me to him, Appu sir asked about my role. I said, "I'm playing your sister, sir. Then he was like, "Then call me Anna, why sir?"

I've worked with him for nearly over a month and I've never seen him get angry for anything. He used the vanity van only when there was a costume change otherwise he used to spend most of the time on the sets. He doesn't even mind sitting down and sharing a meal with us. I've never seen a superstar like him.

Appu Anna always called me 'Shetty' and everyone followed. I can never get that call again now.