28 Facts About Ambareesh

Malavalli Huchchegowda Amarnath, known by his screen name Ambareesh, was an Indian actor, media personality, politician from the state of Karnataka.

Besides winning many State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards South during his acting career, Ambareesh was honoured with the honorary doctorate by the Karnatak University in 2013.

Ambareesh was born on 29 May 1952 in Doddarasinakere village of Mandya district in the erstwhile Mysore State.

Ambareesh was named "Malavalli Huchchegowda Amarnath", and was the sixth of seven children to Hucchegowda and Padmamma.

Ambareesh completed his schooling in Mandya before moving to Mysore for higher studies.

Ambareesh appeared in about 208 films, including other films of Kanagal such as Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, Shubhamangala, Masanada Hoovu and Ranganayaki.

Ambareesh was a supporting actor many times at the beginning of their careers.

Ambareesh played the angry young man of the 1980s, and several films were tailor-made accordingly.

Thampi cast Ambareesh after being impressed with his performance in Ranganayaki.

Ambareesh showed great performance in Mamateya Madilu, Hrudaya Haadithu, Elu Sutinaa Kote and Mouna Raga.

Ambareesh is well known as Mandyada Gandu, Kaliyuga Karna, and Rebel Star.

Ambareesh was awarded the State award for best actor for Antha and best supporting role for Masanada Hoovu, NTR Award by Andhra Pradesh Government, Film Fare best actor award for Olavina Udugore and Film Fare Award.

Ambareesh was the first Kannada actor to inaugurate the world-famous Mysore Dasara festival organized by the government of Karnataka.

Ambareesh won the Karnataka Government's Dr Vishnuvardhan Award in 2011.

Ambareesh joined the Indian National Congress ahead of the assembly election in 1994.

Ambareesh campaigned for the party in the election after having been "too late to be given a ticket".

Ambareesh subsequently joined the Janata Dal and contested the 1998 general election from Mandya.

Ambareesh won the seat upon polling 431,439 votes against 250,916 for the INC candidate.

In 1999, Ambareesh rejoined the INC and contested in five elections since.

Ambareesh developed a friendship with actress Sumalatha after they first met at the sets of the Kannada film Aahuti in 1984.

Ambareesh was noted for his friendship, mostly with his contemporaries of the 1980s and across film industries of South India.

Ambareesh maintained a close relationship with Vishnuvardhan ever since they made their debuts together in films with Naagarahaavu in 1972, till the latter's death in 2009.

Ambareesh developed breathing problems in 2014 and was hospitalized frequently.

Ambareesh was cremated with full state honours and received a 21-gun salute.

Ambareesh was cremated next to the memorial of his contemporary and friend, Rajkumar.

Ambareesh's death was met with an outpouring of grief from politicians, members of the South Indian film industry and fans from Karnataka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and said, "[Ambareesh was] a strong voice for Karnataka's welfare, at the state and central level".

Ambareesh lived like a king till the day he died and all he earned were people.