Megastar Chiranjeevi has condoled the passing away of veteran filmmaker Rajkumar, who was the director of his early film 'Punadhirallu'.

"I was still undertaking training at an acting institute when Rajkumar garu came to me and offered me a role in 'Punadhirallu'. Even though I declined the offer saying that I was still undergoing training, he insisted that only I should do it. I did the film only because of him," says Chiru.

He adds, "Last year, Rajkumar garu called on me and told me his health was not good. I referred him to Apollo Hospitals, where he was treated. I sincerely hoped that he would come back a healthy man. I am sorry that it didn't happen."

IndiaGlitz extended sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Rajkumar. May he attain Sadgati!

Note: Wikipedia says that Chiru started his career with 'Punadhirallu'. It adds that his first released film, however, was 'Pranam Khareedu'.