12 May,2025 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kantara: Chapter 1 actor Rakesh Poojary
Kantara: Chapter 1 actor Rakesh Poojary, popularly known for winning Comedy Khiladigalu 3, passed away at midnight on Monday after suffering a severe heart attack. The 33-year-old actor's tragic demise occurred during a mehendi ceremony. As per reports, Rakesh was in Udupi district and had gone to attend the ceremony at his friend Miyar's place, where he collapsed while talking to him.
According to Deccan Herald, he was rushed to the hospital immediately after collapsing; however, he was soon declared dead. The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed but is suspected to be a cardiac arrest. Reportedly, a case of unnatural death has been registered at the Karkala Town Police Station.
While reacting to the news of his demise, Comedy Khiladigalu judge Rakshitha wrote on social media, "The ever-smiling Rakesha⦠my fav Rakesha⦠the sweetest, kindest, loving person⦠Namma Rakesha⦠will miss you mange." It has been said that he was all set to star in the next chapter of Kantara and had also shot for the film on May 11. While he had finished his part of the film, Rakesh was seemingly playing an important role.
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This news of his demise comes just days after a junior artist passed away on the sets of Kantara by drowning in the Kollur Souparnika River due to the river's strong current.
This was not the first accident on Kantara's set. Earlier, news came out that a bus carrying junior artists met with an accident. After this, a source close to the production confirmed, "A minor accident occurred 20 kilometers away from the shooting location, involving a local bus carrying some members of the Kantara team. However, no injuries were reported."
It was recently announced that the prequel to the award-winning 2022 film Kantara: A Legend will release in cinemas on October 2, 2025.
Kantara, written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, starred Rishab Shetty in dual roles. The film is set in, and was filmed in, Keradi in coastal Karnataka. Principal photography began in August 2021.
