Mysore/Mysuru: A special programme ‘Appu Namana,’ a tribute to late actor Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar organised by Karnataka Power Engineers Academy, was held at Kalamandira on Saturday.

The event was inaugurated by actor Dr. Shivarajkumar, elder brother of Puneeth Rajkumar, by offering tributes to the portrait of the late actor.

Later, addressing the gathering, Shivarajkumar remembered how his younger brother had earned a huge place in the hearts of the people, not just in Karnataka, but also across  the country.

Adding that Puneeth Rajkumar was one of those actors whose acting is loved by children, adults and elderly citizens, Shivarajkumar said it was because of the affection of people that their family had reached greater heights. “Though, Puneeth Rajkumar is not present physically amidst us, he continues to live in the heart of his fans and loved ones,” he said.

Later, Shivarajkumar sang the song ‘Baana Daariyalli Surya Jaarihoda, Chandra Mele Banda’ from the movie ‘Bhagyavantha’ originally sung by Puneeth Rajkumar as a child actor and the title song from the movie ‘Mylari’ featuring himself (Shivarajkumar) and sung by his younger brother.

The organisers also felicitated sculptor Arun Yogiraj couple and land owner Ramadas, who had donated the black stone excavated from his land for the idol of Balak Ram installed at Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

This was followed by a musical event with singers Harsha, Ashwin Sharma, Divya Raghavan and Divya Ramachandra rendering songs from the films of Puneeth Rajkumar.

Geetha Shivarajkumar, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) Limited Managing Director G. Sheela, Academy President K. Munigopal Raju, Secretary M.H. Jagadeesh and Working President Ramanujam were present.