Hanamkonda mourns ‘Gabbar Singh’ as Pawan Kalyan’s young fan dies at 17
HYDERABAD: Ponugoti Niranjan, 17, an ardent fan of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, died on Tuesday, July 8, after battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
Popularly known as “Gabbar Singh” among Pawan Kalyan’s followers in Hanamkonda, Niranjan had earned the nickname because of his admiration for the actor-politician and his blockbuster film Gabbar Singh.
A few days before his death, Pawan Kalyan visited Niranjan’s residence in Hanamkonda and spent time with him. During the visit, he enquired about the teenager’s health and hobbies and interacted with his family members.
Three-year battle with rare muscle disorder
Niranjan was the son of Ponugoti Ramu and Manasa, residents of Pegadapalli Dabbal in Hanamkonda, Greater Warangal.
He had been bedridden for the past three years after being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic disorder that progressively weakens muscles and had halted his physical growth, making him appear much younger than his age.
Fans express grief on social media
News of Niranjan’s death saddened his family, friends and supporters of Pawan Kalyan. Many fans took to social media to express their condolences and pay tributes to the teenager, recalling the Deputy Chief Minister’s recent visit to his home.
