Ambareesh

Actor · 1952–2018 · Mandya, Karnataka, India

Biography

*Malavalli Huchchegowda Amarnath (29 May 1952 – 24 November 2018), widely revered by his screen name Ambareesh, was a legendary Indian actor, playback singer, and politician who bestrode Kannada cinema and regional public life for over four decades. Affectionately hailed by millions of fans as Rebel Star, Mandyada Gandu, and Kaliyuga Karna* for his fiery on-screen persona, charismatic swagger, and legendary real-life generosity, he stood as one of the towering cultural icons of Karnataka alongside Dr. Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan. Born in Doddarasinakere near Maddur in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Ambareesh hailed from a distinguished lineage as the grandson of the renowned violinist and music maestro Pitambaram Chowdiah. Raised in Mysore, he was introduced to cinema by celebrated director Puttanna Kanagal, who discovered him and cast him as the defiant youth Jaleela in the classic Nagarahavu (1972). Ambareesh's portrayal made his cigarette-flicking style and signature punchline "Haavina Dvesha Hanneradu Varusha" instant pop culture sensations, immediately establishing him as a rebellious screen presence. Throughout the 1970s, he excelled in antagonistic and supporting roles across landmark films such as Paduvaaralli Pandavaru (1978), Ranganayaki (1981), and Katha Sangama (1976). His transition to a full-fledged action hero came in the early 1980s, driven by the massive commercial success of Antha (1981), where his hard-hitting performance as the honest cop Kanwar Lal exposed systemic corruption and earned him the enduring moniker Rebel Star. He went on to dominate the box office throughout the 1980s and 1990s with blockbusters including Chakravyuha (1983), Elu Suttina Kote (1987), Olavina Udugore (1987), Hongkongnalli Agent Amar (1989), Hrudaya Haadithu (1991), Mannina Doni (1992), and Odahuttidavaru (1994). In the latter half of his career, he seamlessly stepped into commanding patriarchal and authoritative figures, delivering memorable performances in films like Diggajaru (2001), Kallarali Hoovagi (2006), Veera Madakari (2009), Drama (2012), Bulbul (2013), and his milestone 500th theatrical appearance in Kurukshetra (2019) as Bheeshma. His cinematic contributions were recognized with multiple Karnataka State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and the prestigious *Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award* in 2005. Parallel to his cinematic reign, Ambareesh built a formidable political career rooted in his native Mandya, serving as a three-time Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and later as the Minister for Housing in the Government of Karnataka. Married to acclaimed actress Sumalatha Ambareesh, he remained the undisputed patriarch and conciliator of the Kannada film industry until his passing in Bengaluru in November 2018.