Puneeth Rajkumar, colloquially known as
Appu, was an Indian actor, playback singer, television presenter, and producer, who worked in Kannada cinema. He was one of the most popular actors in Kannada cinema. He was the lead in 29 films; as a child, he appeared in many films. His performances in
Vasantha Geetha (1980),
Bhagyavantha (1981),
Chalisuva Modagalu (1982),
Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983),
Bhakta Prahaladha,
Yarivanu and
Bettada Hoovu (1985) were praised. He won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his role of Ramu in
Bettada Hoovu. He also won Karnataka State Award Best Child artist for
Chalisuva Modagalu and
Eradu Nakshatragalu. Puneeth's first lead role was in 2002's
Appu. The Karnataka Government conferred the state's highest civilian award, Karnataka Ratna, to Puneeth Rajkumar in November 2021, posthumously.