Popular artiste and comedian Rakesh Poojary, best known for being a part of the Kannada reality show Comedy Khiladigalu - Season 3, passed away in the wee hours of Monday (May 11). He was 33.
According to several media reports, Rakesh, a native of Udupi, suffered a sudden heart attack while attending a private Mehendi ceremony in Karkala, Karnataka. He collapsed while he was with friends and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors could not save him.
Rakesh became a household name in Karnataka after winning Comedy Khiladigalu Season 3 in 2020. He gained fame due to his unique style and ability to connect with audiences. He had previously been a part of the runner-up team in Season 2 of the same show in 2018.
Rakesh’s journey in the performing arts began with the Chaitanya Kalavidaru theatre group. He gained early recognition in 2014 through the Tulu reality show Kadale Bajil, which aired on a private channel. Despite facing many challenges, including giving nearly 150 auditions, he persisted and eventually found his place in the entertainment industry.
Rakesh had built a loyal fan base on television, especially through his role in the Kannada serial Hitler Kalyana.
Apart from reality TV, Rakesh made notable contributions to both Kannada and Tulu cinema. His Kannada film credits include Pailwaan and Idu Entha Lokavayya. In Tulu films, he acted in popular titles like Petkammi, Ammer Police, Pammana The Great, Umil, and Illokkel. He also featured in coastal Karnataka-based reality shows such as Bale Telipale, May 22, Star, and Tuyinaaye Poye, and continued to remain active in theatre.
His sudden demise has left the Kannada entertainment industry and his fans in deep shock.
