THE host of the Indian-version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has died after suffering cardiac arrest.

       Puneeth Rajkumar, who was aged just 46, was working out at his gym when he complained of having chest pains.

       1

       Puneeth died aged 46 after suffering cardiac arrest

       He was rushed to hospital in Bangalore at 11.30am local time this morning where he passed away, the Times of India reports.

       Fans of the actor, singer and TV host gathered outside the medical facility when news broke that he was ill.

       This morning, Puneeth appeared to be in good spirits when tweeted out a message of support to the cast and crew of Indian action movie Bhajarangi 2.

       He wrote: "Best wishes for the entire team of #Bhajarangi2."

       In 2012, he began hosting Kannadada Kotyadhipati which was inspired by the UK quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

       Tributes have poured in for the beloved star who was affectionately known as Appu.

       Most read in News

       KILLER FOUND Killer, 54, who escaped open prison found after cops launch urgent manhunt

       FLOOD HELL Four rescued as 500 homes evacuated & bridges washed away after FOOT of rain

       DRESSING DOWN School sends devastated kids home in fancy dress after 'cancelling Halloween'

       MEGA DROP UK Covid cases dip below 40,000 - down almost a QUARTER from same day last week

       CLOSE ENCOUNTER Great white shark breaks open diver’s cage as SEVEN beasts circle

       STARK REALITY Boy, 10, left in tears after being bullied over Iron Man costume

       Fellow actor Mahesh Babu tweeted: "Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of Puneeth Rajkumar's demise.

       "One of the most humble people I've met and interacted with. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones"

       One fan wrote: "Appu…I Love You Appu..I Miss You So Much.."

       Another said: "Rest in peace. Gone too soon."

       Puneeth starred in 29 films including some as a child actor.

       He was one of the highest paid stars in Kannada Cinema which produces movies in the Kannada language - a dialect spoken in the southern state of Karnataka.

       Puneeth was born in Chennai in 1975 to his father Rajkumar - who was also a singer and actor - and his film producer mother Parvathamma.

       The star leaves two daughters with wife Ashwini Revanth who he wed in 1999.

       Puneeth Rajkumar hosts Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? back in 2012