Another loss for Kantara: Actor Rakesh Poojary dies of heart attack at 34

Kannada and Tulu actor Rakesh Poojary, known for winning Comedy Khiladigalu 3, died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 33.

According to PTI, the incident occurred on Sunday evening during a mehendi ceremony in Nitte, near Udupi.

Family sources told the agency that he suffered a "sudden cardiac arrest."

A municipal worker who found Poojary collapsed informed the authorities. The actor was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Shortly before the tragedy, Poojary shared an Instagram Story from the mehendi ceremony and posted a birthday wish for his sister. Both posts have since gone viral in the wake of his sudden death.

Poojary had recently finished filming his role in Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-anticipated prequel directed by Rishab Shetty. Media reports state that he had worked on set as recently as May 11, just a day before his death.

The news of Rakesh’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Kannada television and film fraternity. Actor Pruthvi Aambar reacted to the news and wrote on X:

“Always with a pure sweet-hearted smile, ever-loving, and extremely talented artist—you will always remain in our hearts. Deeply saddened. Rakesh, we miss you!”

Judge Rakshitha, who worked with Rakesh on Comedy Khiladigalu, posted on Instagram Stories:

“The ever-smiling Rakesha… my fav Rakesha. The sweetest, kindest, loving person… Namma Rakesha. Will miss you, mange.”

Rakesh Poojary rose to fame after winning Comedy Khiladigalu 3 in 2020. He also acted in several Kannada and Tulu films including Ammer Police and Umil, and remained an active figure in Karnataka’s theater circuit.

Just days earlier, a junior artist working on Kantara: Chapter 1 tragically drowned while swimming in a river during a break. The film’s production house, Hombale Films, clarified that the incident did not occur on set. A case of unnatural death has been registered at Karkala Town Police Station.

AICWA calls for probe

Following the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement urging Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to launch a high-level investigation.

“The claim of drowning needs to be thoroughly investigated… AICWA demands an FIR be filed against Rishab Shetty and the production house,” the association said.

In a statement on X, Hombale Films responded: “The unfortunate event took place during his personal engagement. No filming was scheduled on that day. We sincerely request everyone to refrain from drawing unverified associations with the film or its crew.”