Tragic loss: Filmmaker's son dies in lift accident, Pawan Kalyan mourns

Tragedy strikes Nadagouda family, film fraternity in shock

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Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor
1 MIN READ
 Kirtan Nadagouda
Kirtan Nadagouda
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Four-and-a-half-year-old Sonarsh K Nadagouda, son of filmmaker and assistant director Kirtan Nadagouda, died after being trapped inside a lift in a tragic accident, sending shockwaves through the film fraternity. The family has not yet released an official statement on the incident.

Telugu superstar and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan confirmed the child’s death and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kalyan said he was heartbroken by the tragedy that struck the family of Nadagouda, who has worked across the Telugu and Kannada film industries. He described the incident as deeply saddening and offered prayers for strength and courage to Kirtan and his wife, Samrudhi, to help them cope with their loss.

Nadagouda is known for his work as an assistant director on major projects including KGF: Chapter 1, KGF: Chapter 2, and Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. Just last month, Kirtan’s directorial debut was announced with a grand pooja ceremony. The upcoming horror film is set to be produced by Mythri Movie Makers along with Prashanth Neel.

The tragic death of young Sonarsh has prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences from members of the film industry and fans alike, highlighting the profound impact of the loss.

Karishma H. Nandkeolyar
Karishma H. NandkeolyarAssistant Online Editor
Karishma Nandkeolyar is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with a lifelong love for storytelling — she wrote her first “book” at age six and has been chasing the next sentence ever since. Known for her sharp wit, thoughtful takes, and ability to find the humor in just about anything, she covers everything from celebrity culture and internet trends to everyday lifestyle moments that make you go, “Same.” Her work blends insight with a conversational tone that feels like catching up with your cleverest friend — if your friend also had a deadline and a latte in hand. Off-duty, Karishma is a proud dog mom who fully believes her pup has a personality worth documenting, and yes, she does narrate those inner monologues out loud. Whether she’s writing features, curating content, or crafting the perfect headline, Karishma brings curiosity, creativity, and just the right amount of sarcasm to the mix.

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