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The Indian film fraternity, particularly the Kannada and Telugu cinema industries, is in deep mourning. Kirtan Nadagouda (also known as Keerthan Gowda), the esteemed co-director of global blockbusters like KGF and Salaar, has lost his 4-year-old son, Sonarsh Gowda (affectionately known as Chiranjeevi), in a tragic elevator accident.
This harrowing incident occurred three days ago at a residential complex in Hyderabad, leaving the family shattered and the industry in a state of collective shock.
How the Tragic Incident Unfolded
According to reports, young Sonarsh entered the residential elevator alone without his parents’ knowledge. It is reported that the child became trapped within the elevator’s mechanism or due to a technical malfunction, resulting in fatal injuries. By the time the family realized the situation and emergency efforts were made to rescue him, the injuries sustained were too severe. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors tragically declared him brought dead.
Kirtan Nadagouda and his wife, Samriddhi Patel, are currently in a state of profound grief. Those close to the family described Sonarsh as a lively, cheerful, and energetic child who was the heart of their home.
Industry and Political Circles Express Grief
As news of the tragedy broke, a wave of condolences swept across social media. Actor and politician Pawan Kalyan expressed his heartbreak on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
Kirtan, a key member of Director Prashanth Neel’s core creative team, is highly respected in the industry for his technical contributions to the KGF franchise and Salaar. His colleagues, technicians, and various superstars have reached out to the family, calling the loss an “irreparable tragedy.”
A Grim Reminder of Safety Standards
This devastating accident has once again ignited serious concerns regarding elevator safety and child supervision in high-rise residential societies. Experts emphasize that despite modern sensors, allowing young children to operate elevators unaccompanied remains a high-risk situation.
About Kirtan Nadagouda
Kirtan Nadagouda has played a pivotal role in some of the highest-grossing films in Indian cinema history. As a trusted associate of Prashanth Neel, his work behind the scenes has been instrumental in the success of the KGF series. While his career was reaching new heights, this personal tragedy has cast a long shadow over the filmmaker’s life.
Final Thought: The untimely passing of Sonarsh is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the constant vigilance required for child safety. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Kirtan Nadagouda and his family during this unimaginably difficult time.
Source & More Coverage:
Hindustan Tines: KGF co-director Kirtan Nadagouda’s 4-yr-old son dies in elevator tragedy. Industry mourns.
