Puneeth Rajkumar: Difference between revisions

| image_size        = 250px

| birth_name        = Lohith Rajkumar

| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1975|3|17}}<ref name="DOB"/>

| birth_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]

| nationality        = [[India]]n

| occupation        = {{hlist|Actor|singer|producer|philanthropist}}

| relatives          = See [[List of South Indian film families#Rajkumar family|Rajkumar family]]

'''Puneeth Rajkumar ''' (born 17 March 1975) is an Indian film actor, playback singer, anchor and producer who works primarily in [[Cinema of Karnataka|Kannada cinema]]. He has been a lead actor in 28 films; as a child, he appeared in films featuring his father, [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]. His performances in ''[[Vasantha Geetha]]'' (1980), ''[[Bhagyavantha]]'' (1981), ''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' (1982), ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'' (1983), Bhakta Prahaladha, Yarivanu and ''[[Bettada Hoovu]]'' (1985) were praised.<ref name="DOB">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/puneeth-rajkumar/biography.html|title=Puneeth Rajkumar Biography, Life Story, Career, Awards & Achievements|website=[[Filmibeat]]|accessdate=23 December 2018}}</ref> He won the [[National Film Award for Best Child Artist]] for his role of Ramu in ''Bettada Hoovu''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shivkamal|first=Aravind G|url=http://www.southscope.in/kannada/article/puneeth-rajkumar-impeccable-aura-powerstar-continues-dazzle|title=Puneeth Rajkumar: The impeccable aura of the Powerstar continues to dazzle|publisher=Southscope|date=29 June 2010|accessdate=26 August 2010}}</ref> He also won Karnataka State Award Best Child artist for ''Chalisuva Modagalu'' and ''Yeradu Nakshatragalu''. Puneeth's first lead role was in 2002's ''[[Appu (2002 film)|Appu]]''.

He has appeared as a lead actor in commercially successful films, including ''[[Appu (2002 film)|Appu]]'' (2002), ''[[Abhi (2003 film)|Abhi]]'' (2003), ''[[Veera Kannadiga]]'' (2004), ''[[Maurya (film)|Mourya]]'' (2004), ''[[Aakash (2005 film)|Aakash]]'' (2005), ''[[Ajay (2006 film)|Ajay]]'' (2006), ''[[Arasu (2007 film)|Arasu]]'' (2007), ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]'' (2007), ''[[Vamshi (film)|Vamshi]]'' (2008), ''[[Raam (2009 film)|Raam]]'' (2009), ''[[Jackie (2010 film)|Jackie]]'' (2010), ''[[Hudugaru]]'' (2011), ''[[Raajakumara]]'' (2017)

and ''[[Anjani Putra]]'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mybangalore.com/article/1010/superstars-of-the-kannada-film-industry.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724104058/http://www.mybangalore.com/article/1010/superstars-of-the-kannada-film-industry.html |archive-date=24 July 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Appu">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Puneeth-to-break-a-record/articleshow/52383671.cms|title=3 films for Puneeth, Puneeth Rajkumar this year|work=The Times of India}}</ref>  He is one of the most famous celebrities and the highest-paid actors in the [[Kannada cinema]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/rajinikanth-pawan-kalyan-top-20-highest-paid-south-indian-actors-2014-617376|title=Top 20 Highest Paid South Indian Actors of 2014|publisher=ibtimes.co.in|work=International Business Times}}</ref> In 2012, he debuted as a television presenter on the game show ''[[Kannadada Kotyadhipati]]'', a Kannada version of ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''.<ref name="Koti"/>

Puneeth was born in [[Chennai]] to [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]] and [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]]. He is their fifth and youngest child. When Puneeth was six years old, his family moved to [[Mysore]]. His father brought him and his sister, Poornima, to his film sets until he was ten years old.<ref name="PR">{{cite web|title= I can never be my father|url= http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToPrint_TOI&Type=text/html&Locale=English-skin-custom&Path=TOIBG/2010/11/15&ID=Ar00500|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141206233325/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib%3ALowLevelEntityToPrint_TOI&Type=text%2Fhtml&Locale=English-skin-custom&Path=TOIBG%2F2010%2F11%2F15&ID=Ar00500|url-status= dead|archive-date= 6 December 2014|work= [[The Times of India]]|date= 15 November 2010|accessdate= 25 September 2014}}</ref> His elder brother, [[Shiva Rajkumar]], is a popular actor.

Director [[V. Somashekar]]  (then known as Lohith) onscreen when he was six months old in his thriller film ''[[Premada Kanike]]'' (1976), and [[Aarathi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NQyujXEvcs|title=Naa Bidalare Ninnanu – Premada Kanike – Rajkumar Hits|publisher=YouTube|date=19 July 2011|accessdate=12 July 2012}}</ref> This was followed by [[Vijay (director)|Vijay's]] ''[[Sanaadi Appanna]]'' (1977), based on [[Krishnamoorthy Puranik]]'s novel of the same name,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cECm33A1Wao|title=Naane Thaayi Naane Thande – Sanadi Appanna (1977) – Kannada|publisher=[[YouTube]]|accessdate=12 July 2012}}</ref> when Puneeth was one year old. ''[[Thayige Thakka Maga]]'' (1978) was again directed by V. Somashekar and starred his father. Two years later, directors [[S. K. Bhagavan|Dorai-Bhagavan]] cast him as Shyam in ''[[Vasantha Geetha]]'' (1980). This was followed by [[K. S. L. Swamy]]'s mythological drama ''[[Bhoomige Banda Bhagavantha]]'' (1981, appearing as [[Lord Krishna]]) and [[B. S. Ranga]]'s ''[[Bhagyavantha]]'' (1982),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Puneeth-Rajkumar|title=Puneeth Rajkumar: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday {{!}} eTimes|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|access-date=11 June 2019}}</ref> in which he recorded his first popular song: "Baana Daariyalli Soorya", composed by [[T. G. Lingappa]]. That year, he appeared in two hit films (''[[Chalisuva Modagalu]]'' and ''[[Hosa Belaku]]'') with his father. For the former, Puneeth received his first [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor (Male)]]. In 1983, he appeared in two mythological films: ''[[Bhakta Prahlada (1983 film)|Bhakta Prahlada]]'' as the protagonist, Prahlada, and ''[[Eradu Nakshatragalu]]'', for which he received his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor.

In April 2002, Puneeth made his film debut as a leading man in the [[masala film]], ''[[Appu (2002 film)|Appu]]'' with [[actress]], [[Rakshita]] also making her film debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/2002/feb/27puneet.htm|title=The return of the son|website=[[Rediff.com]]|date=27 February 2002|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> The musical by [[Gurukiran]], directed by [[Puri Jagannadh]] and produced by [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]], in which he played a college boy, was a box office success and critics praised his dancing skills. Puneeth sang "Taliban Alla Alla", with lyrics by [[Upendra (actor)|Upendra]] and music by [[Gurukiran]]. The film's success spawned remakes in Telugu (''[[Idiot (2002 film)|Idiot]]'' (2003)) and Tamil (''[[Dum (2003 Tamil film)|Dum]]'' (2003)).

Puneeth next appeared in [[Dinesh Babu]]'s ''[[Abhi (film)|Abhi]]'' (2003) as a plucky college boy who is devoted to his mother. In the film, based on a true story and produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar, he starred with debutante [[Ramya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/2691-abhi-review.html|title=Abhi Movie Review|publisher=Chitraloka |date=26 April 2003|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref>

Meher Ramesh's ''[[Veera Kannadiga]]'' was Puneeth's first 2004 release. The film, written by Puri Jagannadh, was simultaneously made in Telugu as ''[[Andhrawala]]'' with [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] in the lead role. Paired with debutante [[Anita Hassanandani Reddy|Anitha]], it showcased his dancing and stunt skills. Although the film was criticised for its violence and poor plot, it was successful at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viggy.com/english/review_veera_kannadiga.asp|title=Veera Kannadiga – film review|work=Viggy.com|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> Puneeth next starred in [[S. Narayan]]'s family drama ''[[Maurya (2004 film)|Maurya]]'', a remake of the Telugu ''[[Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi]]'', starring [[Ravi Teja]] and written by Puri Jagannadh. The remake enhanced Puneeth's reputation as an actor in his own right.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/movie-reviews/2815-mourya-review.html|title=Mourya Movie Review|work=Chitraloka|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref>

He released two films in 2005. Mahesh Babu's ''[[Aakash (2005 film)|Aakash]]'' reunited Puneeth with Ramya (from ''Abhi'') and he appeared in Veera Shankar's action film ''[[Namma Basava]]'', with [[Gowri Munjal]]. He recorded songs in both films. Puneeth's only 2006 release was ''[[Ajay (2006 film)|Ajay]]'', directed by Meher Ramesh and produced by [[Rockline Venkatesh]]. In the film, a remake of the 2003 Telugu ''[[Okkadu]]'', he played a professional [[Kabaddi in India|kabaddi]] player who protects a girl endangered by her uncle (played by [[Prakash Raj]]). As a result of these films, Puneeth was called the "Powerstar of Sandalwood".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://todayupdates.net/5-movies-that-prove-that-puneeth-rajkumar-is-the-real-powerstar-of-sandalwood/|title=5 movies that prove that Puneeth Rajkumar is the real Powerstar of Sandalwood!|work=Today updates|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324022452/http://todayupdates.net/5-movies-that-prove-that-puneeth-rajkumar-is-the-real-powerstar-of-sandalwood/|archivedate=24 March 2016}}</ref>

Puneeth's first release in 2007 was his production ''[[Arasu (2007 film)|Arasu]]'', directed by Mahesh Babu, in which he played an expatriate businessman who renounces his wealth for the woman he loves. For his performance, he received his first [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Kannada|Filmfare Best Actor award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiainteracts.in/gossip/2007/08/08/2483/54th-Filmfare-Awards-South-Winners/|title=54th Filmfare Awards South Winners|work=India Interacts|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304215921/http://indiainteracts.in/gossip/2007/08/08/2483/54th-Filmfare-Awards-South-Winners/|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref> Puneeth's other release that year was [[Prakash (film director)|Prakash]]'s reaffirmation of traditional family values ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]''. Actress Parvathy [[Parvathy Thiruvothu|Parvathy (actress)]] made her debut into Kannada films with this film. Puneeth played the [[Radio personality|radio jockey]] Akash. For the film, he received his first [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="archives.deccanchronicle.com">{{cite news|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130318/entertainment-sandalwood/gallery/birthday-exclusive-puneeth-rajkumar|title=Birthday Exclusive: Puneeth Rajkumar|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|accessdate=2 April 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602074935/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130318/entertainment-sandalwood/gallery/birthday-exclusive-puneeth-rajkumar|archivedate=2 June 2015}}</ref>

The actor released two films in 2008: [[D. Rajendra Babu]]'s ''[[Bindaas (2008 film)|Bindaas]]'' and Prakash's ''[[Vamshi (film)|Vamshi]]''. Puneeth's first 2009 release was ''[[Raaj - The Showman]]''. Although the film (directed by [[Prem (director)|Prem]]) was criticised, his performance was praised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/telugu-movie-review-raaj-the-showman/20090814.htm|title=Raaj, the Showman disappoints|website=Rediff.com|date=14 August 2009|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> His other film ''[[Raam (2009 film)|Raam]]'', with [[Priyamani]], was a remake of the Telugu hit ''[[Ready (2008 film)|Ready]]''.

Puneeth returned to the limelight in 2010 with back-to-back hits. The first was Jacob Varghese's political thriller ''[[Prithvi (2010 film)|Prithvi]]'', in which he played a bureaucrat in [[Ballari district]] who fights corruption. His next release was the action film ''[[Jackie (2010 film)|Jackie]]'', directed by [[Duniya Soori]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/chennai/29732898_1_lifetime-achievement-award-telugu-film-director-award|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716072945/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/chennai/29732898_1_lifetime-achievement-award-telugu-film-director-award|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz|work=The Times of India|date=3 July 2011|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref> which was a commercial success. Puneeth Rajkumar is praised by both the critics and fans. His dare-devil stunts in movies are still a record in South Indian cinema. He also danced well in the movie.{{citation needed|date=March 2017|reason=for the three sentences before this tag}}

In 2011, Puneeth co-starred in K. Madesh's ''[[Hudugaru]]'', a remake of the Tamil film ''[[Nadodigal]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-actor-news/Puneethh-rajkumar-next-upcoming-latest-film-titled-hudugru/ |title=cinemagupshup.com |website=Cinemagupshup.com |accessdate=20 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132845/http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-actor-news/Puneethh-rajkumar-next-upcoming-latest-film-titled-hudugru/ |archivedate=4 March 2016  }}</ref> in which he reprised [[M. Sasikumar]]'s role in the original. For his performance, he received his second Filmfare and first [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA]] Best Actor awards.<ref>{{cite web|author=Letty Mariam Abraham |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/filmfare-awards-dhanush-mahesh-babu-puneeth-ramya-bag-trophies/attachment/puneeth-rajkumar-received-the-best-actor-male-kannada-award-for-the-film-hudugaru-at-the-59th-dea-filmfare-awards-2011-south-on-8th-july-at-jawaharlal-nehru-indoor-stadium-chennai-090712/|title=Puneeth Rajkumar received the Best Actor (Male) Kannada Award for the film ''Hudugaru''|website=Bollywoodlife.com|date=10 July 2012|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref> In [[Yogaraj Bhat]]'s travelogue ''[[Paramathma (film)|Paramathma]]'', Puneeth's next release, his character searches for love.<ref name=hindu1>{{cite news|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 December 2010|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/12/03/stories/2010120350850400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207175308/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/12/03/stories/2010120350850400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 December 2010|title=News Archives|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref>

He worked with Soori again in 2012 on the action film ''[[Anna Bond]]'', produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/Puneeth-to-work-with-soori-news-kannada-kmdlAycebfh.html|title=Puneet to work with Soori|website=[[Sify]]|date=3 December 2010|accessdate=20 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104033356/http://www.sify.com/movies/Puneeth-to-work-with-soori-news-kannada-kmdlAycebfh.html|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> For his performance, he received the [[Suvarna Film Awards|Suvarna Best Actor]] award and was nominated for an IIFA award. Puneeth starred in another Tamil remake ''[[Poraali]]'', filmed in Kannada as ''[[Yaare Koogadali]]'', by [[Samuthirakani]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/celebs/puneet-rajkumar/upcoming-movies.html|title=Upcoming Movie Releases &#124; Puneet Rajkumar &#124; Puneet Rajkumar Upcoming Movies – Filmibeat|website=Oneindia|date=17 March 1975|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref> He played Kumar, who escapes with his friend from a mental asylum and finds refuge in a man's house.

In 2014, Puneeth starred in Jayanth C. Paranjee's romance ''[[Ninnindale]]'', with [[Erica Fernandes]]. Although his performance as a New York-based adventure enthusiast based in New York was praised by critics,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-review-Ninnindale/articleshow/28964238.cms|author=Shyam Prasad S|title=Movie review: Ninnindale|work=Bangalore Mirror|date=7 January 2014|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> the film was unsuccessful at the box office. Puneeth's next release was K. Madesh's ''[[Power (2014 Kannada film)|Power***]]'', a remake of the Telugu film ''[[Dookudu]]''. Appearing with [[Trisha Krishnan|Trisha]] for the first time, he played a tough police officer. The film earned a record ₹22 [[crore]] ({{INR}}220 million) in six days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/power-box-office-puneet-starrer-makes-record-collection-22-crore-6-days-608251|title='Power***' Box Office: Puneet Starrer Makes Record Collection of ₹22 Crore in 6 Days|work=[[International Business Times|IBTimes]]|date=3 September 2014|accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> In 2015, he played himself in B. M. Giriraj's film ''[[Mythri (2015 film)|Mythri]]'', which also starred [[Mohanlal]] and [[Bhavana (Malayalam actress)|Bhavana]]. Puneeth's other release that year was [[Pawan Wadeyar]]'s ''[[Rana Vikrama]]'', an action film with [[Adah Sharma]] and [[Anjali (actress born 1986)|Anjali]].

In March 2016, Puneeth worked for M. Saravanan's ''[[Chakravyuha (2016 film)|Chakravyuha]]'' and Duniya Soori's ''[[Doddmane Hudga]]''. In 2017, he appeared in [[Santhosh Ananddram]] 's ''[[Raajakumara]]'', which broke all-records in box-office and became the most highest-grossing Kannada-language film of all time beating previous record of ''[[Mungaru Male]]'',<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sudeep-yash-upendra-jaggesh-join-puneeths-raajakumara-100-day-celebration-732967 "Sudeep, Yash, Upendra, Jaggesh to join Puneeth's Raajakumara 100-day celebration"]</ref><ref>[http://m.indiaglitz.com/rajakumara-100-all-time-industry-hit-kannada-news-188991.html "Rajakumara 100, all time industry hit-Kannada Movie News"]. ''IndiaGlitz''.</ref> later the record was taken up by the movie ''[[K.G.F: Chapter 1]]''. He also had the starring role in [[Harsha (director)|A Harsha]]'s ''[[Anjani Putra]]'' alongside with [[Rashmika Mandanna]], which was remake of Tamil film ''[[Poojai]]''.

Puneeth sang alone in ''Appu'', and sang a duet on "Jothe Jotheyali" from ''[[Vamshi (film)|Vamshi]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.desishock.com/906138/Jothe-Jotheyali---Vamshi--HQ-HD|title=Desi Shock Media Videos|website=Media.desishock.com|date=6 February 2010|accessdate=12 July 2012}}</ref> He sang a fast number in ''[[Jackie (2010 film)|Jackie]]'' and sang in his brother Shiva's films ''[[Lava Kusha (2007 film)|Lava Kusha]]'' and ''[[Mylari]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/myalri-creates-a-big-buzz-news-kannada-kmolhGgaehi.html|title=Myalri creates a big buzz|website=Sify|date=14 December 2010|accessdate=20 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022080312/http://www.sify.com/movies/myalri-creates-a-big-buzz-news-kannada-kmolhGgaehi.html|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Puneeth Rajkumar have sung a song "Kanna Sanne Indhalene" for [[Akira (2016 Kannada film)|Akira]] movie which was composed by [[B. Ajaneesh Loknath]].

In 2012, Puneeth hosted the first season of ''[[Kannadada Kotyadhipati]]'', modelled on the Hindi show ''[[Kaun Banega Crorepati]]'', which in turn, was modelled on the British show ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''.<ref name="Koti">{{cite web|last=Tantri|first=Balaraj|url=http://kannada.oneindia.in/movies/tv/2012/01/04-over-lac-sms-for-kannadada-kotyadipathi-aid0189.html|title =ಕೋಟ್ಯಾಧಿಪತಿಗೆ ನೂಕುನುಗ್ಗಲು, 4ಲಕ್ಷ ಎಸ್ಎಂಎಸ್- 04 over lac sms for kannadada kotyadipathi – Oneindia Kannada|website=Oneindia|date=4 January 2012|accessdate=12 July 2012}}</ref> Its first season was successful<ref name="chitraloka.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/2206-kannadada-kotyadhipathi-season-2.html |title=Kannadada Kotyadhipathi Season 2 – chitraloka.com &#124; Kannada Movie News, Reviews &#124; Image|publisher=Chitraloka|date=12 December 2012|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref> and a second season followed. The success of second season was cited as a prime reason for Suvarna channel replacing Udaya TV from the top slot for the first time in 19 years.<ref>https://chitraloka.com/exclusive/3671-the-biggest-tv-story-in-20-years-analysis.html</ref>  He again hosted the fourth season replacing Ramesh Aravind.<ref name="PRK Production">[https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/interview-will-act-in-my-home-production-shortly/articleshow/69847613.cms]</ref><ref>[https://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannadada-kotyadhipati-reality-show-starts-soon-in-colors-kannada-channel/articleshow/68653110.cms]</ref><ref name="ibnlive.in.com">{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kannada-actor-upendra-plays-game-show-kannadada-kotyadipathi/386731-71-205.html|title=Kannada actor plays 'Kannadada Kotyadipathi' – IBNLive |website=Ibnlive.in.com|date=20 April 2013|accessdate=20 January 2016}}</ref> He also went to be the host of [[Colors Kannada]]'s [[reality show]], ''[[Family Power]]''.<ref>[http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/entertainment/south-masala/puneeth-will-get-families-together/articleshow/60960798.cms]</ref>

Puneeth has been involved in philanthropy with his mother at the Shakti Dhama [[ashram]] in [[Mysore]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youthindies.com/2011/07/punith-rajkumar-bio-profile-childhood-pics-wife-marriage-daughter-family-photos.html|title=Punith Rajkumar Bio Profile Childhood Pics Wife Marriage Daughter Family Photos|publisher=Youth Indies|date=10 July 2011|accessdate=12 July 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805043016/http://www.youthindies.com/2011/07/punith-rajkumar-bio-profile-childhood-pics-wife-marriage-daughter-family-photos.html|archivedate=5 August 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and owns the Bengaluru [[Premier Futsal]] team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/premier-futsal-rules-teams-fixtures-results-giggs-ronaldinho-scholes-falcao-virat-kohli-luis-figo-2911522/|title=Premier Futsal: Rules, teams, fixtures, everything you need to know|website=indianexpress.com|accessdate=22 January 2017}}</ref>

Puneeth has been a brand ambassador for [[Karnataka Milk Federation]]'s Nandini Milk products, LED Bulb Project,<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/puneeth-and-ramya-are-brand-ambassadors-of-led-project/article7910374.ece]</ref> [[7 Up]] ([[PepsiCo]]), F-Square, Dixcy Scott, Malabar Gold,<ref name="Ddd.in.com">{{cite web|url=http://ddd.in.com/news/entertainment/fullstory-Puneeth-rajkumar-is-brand-ambassador-of-gold-10203765-3fcfb159f25efce940d40e48f5072208a620f8f4-1.html|title=The Hindu – Puneeth Rajkumar is brand ambassador of Malabar Gold|website=Ddd.in.com|date=31 July 2009|accessdate=26 August 2010}}</ref> [[Gold Winner]],<ref>[https://businesswireindia.com/news/fulldetails/gold-winner-vita-d3-adds-star-power-signs-up-puneeth-rajkumar-as-brand-ambassador/53866]</ref> Ziox Mobile,<ref>[https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/ziox-mobiles-ropes-in-puneeth-rajkumar-as-brand-ambassador/article8361000.ece]</ref> Pothy silks, [[Flipkart]] and [[Manappuram General Finance and Leasing Ltd|Manappuram]],<ref name="Manappuram.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.manappuram.com/php/newsContent.php?newsId=24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926215532/http://manappuram.com/php/newsContent.php?newsId=24|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 September 2010|title=MANAPPURAM FINANCE – Gold Loan &#124; Loan against Gold Ornaments &#124; Loan against Gold Jewellery &#124; Jewel Loan|publisher=Manappuram.com |date=31 March 2010|accessdate=26 August 2010}}</ref> and was a brand ambassador of the [[Indian Premier League]] cricket team [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]].<ref>{{cite web |title= IPL takes a glam beating|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ipl-takes-a-glam-beating/260438-60-119.html|website=ibnlive.in.com|date=23 May 2012|accessdate=29 September 2014|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Puneeth also owns a team in Premier Futsal, Bengaluru 5.<ref>[]http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2016/07/12/25537222/premier-futsal-kannada-actor-rajkumar-acquires-bengaluru]</ref>

Puneeth is the founder and owner of the music label PRK Audio<ref name="PRK Production"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/puneeths-prk-audio-enters-the-music-market-with-the-film-to-be-out-on-nov-24/articleshow/61757476.cms|title=Puneeth's PRK Audio enters the music market with the film; to be out on Nov 24|website=Bangalore Mirror|accessdate=4 April 2018}}</ref> with over 8.82 lakh subscribers<ref>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPSb5hoJuGd_M421vocSM2A</ref> across YouTube.

| [[National Film Award for Best Child Artist|Best Child Artist]]<ref>{{cite web|title=33rd National Film Awards|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm33NFAAward.aspx|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|accessdate=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505170442/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm33NFAAward.aspx|archive-date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

|[[Award|Youth Icon of South Indian Cinema (male)]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siima.in/winners-2013.php|title=SIIMA 2013 Awards|publisher=[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917171749/http://siima.in/winners-2013.php|archivedate=17 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

| style="text-align: center;" |[[Southscope#Best Actor|Best Actor]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Manasaare sweeps Lux South Scope Awards|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/manasaare-sweeps-lux-south-scope-awards-imagegallery-kannada-kjwpGJihgfgsi.html|website=Sify|accessdate=30 September 2015}}</ref>