WARANGAL, JULY 08, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Powerstar Pawan Kalyan’s fan Ponuganti Niranjan (17), who was ailing from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), passed away while undergoing treatment on Wednesday morning.
Ponugoti Niranjan, popularly known as ‘Gabbar Singh’ in Hanamkonda, had been bedridden for the past three years after being diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which stopped his body growth, and he looked like a child. Niranjan was the son of Ponugoti Ramu and Manasa, residents of Pegadapalli Dabbal in Hanamkonda, Greater Warangal.
Niranjan revealed to his parents that his last wish was to see his hero, Pawan Kalyan, in person. When the information reached the Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan’s office, he reacted immediately and visited Hanamkonda city and met Niranjan on June 17, 2026.
Mr Pawan Kalyan had assured he would personally bear the ongoing medical expenses of Niranjan and provide financial support to his parents. He also arranged for a canteen to be set up for Niranjan’s family. Pawan Kalyan also said that Niranjan would be the guest for OG-2.
Within twenty days, the little heartbeat stopped. The boy’s parents, Ramgopal and Manasa, were in an inconsolable condition after the demise of Niranjan. The Hanuman Nagar residents consoled Niranjan’s parents, and they paid tributes to Niranjan.
Pawan Kalyan expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members of Niranjan. He posted in his X: “The news that Niranjan is no more has deeply shaken my heart. The moments from just a few days ago when I visited Niranjan’s home in Hanumakonda and met him are still vividly alive in my mind. That little one, who waited for me despite battling severe illness… the tiny smile that bloomed on his face the moment he saw me… all of these will remain forever as unforgettable memories. Even as his body fought the disease, his mind stood firm with immense courage. The hope and self-confidence he showed toward life, even while enduring such pain, are invaluable. It is heartbreaking that a child with such courage has left us so soon. I extend my deepest condolences to Niranjan’s family members. I pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable sorrow. Dear Niranjan… the smile you showed, the courage, the love you shared will remain in my heart forever. I pray to God that your soul attains peace”.
