"PUNEETH CALLED ME OVER THE PHONE AND...": DIRECTOR MYSSKIN'S TEARFUL NOTE AFTER PUNEETH RAJKUMAR'S DEATH MAKES FANS EMOTIONAL!!

Hundreds of fans assembled outside his residence and the hospital following the announcement of his death. Condolences poured in from fans and colleagues from the film fraternity, as well as sports personalities and politicians. Following his death, security had been beefed up all across Karnataka including state capital Bengaluru to manage the situation.

Later, Puneeth's mortal remains were kept at Kanteerava Stadium for public homage. Lakhs, including members of Karnataka's film fraternity, had thronged the spot to pay their respects. Puneeth was laid to rest close to his father, the legendary actor Dr Rajkumar, and mother Parvathamma at the Kanteerava Studio in Bengaluru.

Several members of the film industry remembered him for his kindness, acting skills and talent. Director Mysskin too penned a heartbreaking note after his demise. In the statement he released, Mysskin stated that he's devastated to hear about Puneeth's demise. He recalled that he went to Bengaluru to narrate a script to him, but said it didn't work out even though he loved it.

He said, "Devastated to hear about Puneeth's demise. Few years back he called me over the phone and discussed about a project. I went to Bangalore and narrated a script. He loved it. It didn't materialise though. He was frank enough to say it wasn't possible because it was too big a budget. He was humble enough to come down upto his parking lot to see me off. We both hugged and parted. We took a vow that we would work on a project soon."

"Dear Puneeth, you are not just a movie hero. You're a real hero. Your kindness, humbleness and truthfulness got thousands of friends and millions of fans. You were so pure a child that Mother Nature wanted to have you on her lap. We are going to miss you all our life Puneeth. Rest in peace. With tears, Mysskin."