Thousands mourn south Indian film star Puneeth Rajkumar

Entertainment Live: Thousands of bereaved cinema fans thronged the streets of Bangalore on Friday after the sudden death of regional Indian film star Puneeth Rajkumar from a heart attack at just 46.

The actor, known as "Powerstar" for his action roles in the Kannada- language film industry, was admitted to hospital on Friday morning with chest pains and died shortly afterwards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes, tweeting that a "cruel twist of fate has snatched away from us a prolific and talented actor... The coming generations will remember him fondly for his works and wonderful personality."

Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj S. Bommai said that Rajkumar was the state's "most loved superstar... A huge personal loss and one that's difficult to come to terms with."

Authorities enhanced security around the actor's house fearing violence by his fans, some of whom could be seen chasing the ambulance in which his body was being taken from the hospital.

"It feels as though I have lost a younger brother. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family with whom I share a close bond," tweeted Mohanlal, a major star in Malayalam-language cinema in the south Indian state of Kerala.

Dhaka, 29 October (campuslive24.com)//BSC

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