Kantara 2 Actor Rakesh Poojary Dies of Heart Attack at 34 During Pre-Wedding Ceremony

Kannada actor and comedian Rakesh Poojary, widely known for winning the third season of the hit reality show Comedy Khiladigalu, died of a heart attack on Sunday evening. He was 34.

The tragic incident occurred during a pre-wedding mehendi function in Nitte, near Udupi. According to a PTI report citing family sources, Rakesh suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead later that night. Hours before the incident, he had shared moments from the celebration on his Instagram Stories.

The news of his death comes just days after a junior artiste associated with Kantara Chapter 1—a prequel to the blockbuster film Kantara—died by drowning during an off-set break. The makers of the film clarified that the drowning did not occur on set and expressed condolences to the deceased’s family.

Rakesh Poojary had recently wrapped filming for Kantara Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty. Known for his infectious smile and comedic talent, Rakesh rose to fame after clinching the Comedy Khiladigalu title in 2020. His sudden passing has left his fans, colleagues, and the Kannada entertainment fraternity in deep shock.

Actor Pruthvi Aambar took to social media to express his grief, writing, “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!”

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Rakshitha, one of the judges on Comedy Khiladigalu, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram. "The ever-smiling Rakesha… my fav Rakesha. The sweetest, kindest, most loving person… Namma Rakesha. Will miss you, mange," she wrote. She added, “Comedy Khiladigalu was a show close to my heart, and Rakesha always stood apart. Off-camera too, he was one of the best people I knew.”

Rakesh’s legacy as a gifted performer and a warm-hearted individual will live on in the hearts of his fans and peers. His sudden demise is a reminder of the fragility of life and the void that the loss of a beloved entertainer leaves behind.