Tragic Loss: Remembering Rakesh Poojary, the Beloved ‘Comedy Khiladi

We report on the sudden and tragic death of popular Kannada and Tulu actor Rakesh Poojary, winner of ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’, who died at the age of 33 due to a heart attack during a family event.

The unfortunate incident occurred during a mehndi ceremony at a friend’s place in Miyar, located in the Karkala taluk of Udupi district. According to reports, Rakesh Poojary collapsed while talking to his friends late last night. Before collapsing, he reportedly complained of fatigue. He was rushed to a hospital immediately after collapsing but was sadly declared dead. The cause of death is suspected to be a cardiac arrest. The headline from one of the sources notes this tragic event: “Kantara Chapter 1 actor Rakesh Poojary dies of heart attack at 33, collapsed during a mehendi ceremony”. A case of unnatural death has reportedly been registered at the Karkala Town Police Station. The incident in Nitte, Karkala taluk, Udupi district, reportedly happened around 2 am according to one source.

Interestingly, Rakesh Poojary had reportedly finished shooting for his portion in ‘Kantara: Chapter 2’ on May 11 before heading to the mehndi function. Reports indicate Rakesh was playing an important role in the film, and his portion is completely shot

Rakesh Poojary first gained widespread recognition on the reality show ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’. He appeared in the second season where his team finished as runners-up. He became a much-loved figure in the Kannada television comedy circuit when his team won the third season of the show on Zee Kannada. He rose to fame after winning the show in 2020. He was also popularly known as Vishwaroop. Rakesh had also risen to fame in 2014 after participating in a Tulu reality show called Kadale Bajil.

Beyond television, Rakesh had an active career in theatre and films. He featured in Kannada movies such as ‘Pailwan’ and ‘Itu Entha Lokavayya’, and Tulu films including ‘Petkammi’, ‘Ammer Police’, and ‘Umil’. He was also active in the theatre circuit and starred in various Karnataka-based reality shows.

Rakesh Poojary Last Post

His last Instagram stories, shared from the mehndi ceremony and including a birthday wish for his sister, have reportedly gone viral. His last photograph, taken at the event just hours before his untimely demise, has also reportedly gone viral, showing him happily posing with friends.

Actress Rakshitha, who served as a judge on ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’, shared heartfelt tributes on social media. She remembered Rakesh as a kind, loving, and ever-smiling person who left a lasting impression. Rakshitha shared multiple Instagram stories, writing, “The ever smiling Rakesha…my fav Rakesha.. the most sweetest kindest loving person… Namma Rakesha will miss u magne” and “My fav comedy khiladi…(heartbreak emoji)”4. She expressed difficulty in accepting that she would never be able to talk to Rakesh anymore, noting that ‘Comedy Khiladigalu’ was a show very close to her heart and Rakesh was one person who always stood apart from the rest. She called him “The most beautiful person that he was.” and “the most perfect guy I knew” off camera, praising his talent. Rakshitha concluded by stating that Rakesha will always live in their hearts and that everyone would miss his smile, his mischief, and most importantly, the happiness he brought. She also thanked him.

Social media express grief for Rakesh Poojary lost

Fellow artists and fans have also taken to social media to express their grief and share heartfelt condolences, mourning the loss of a bright talent who brought laughter and joy to many.

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