KANNADA CINEMA'S LEGEND..AMBAREESH NO MORE!

Legendary Kannada actor and politician...Ambareesh!

Veteran actor of Kannada cinema and politician M. H. Amarnath.. popularly known as Ambareesh passed away yesterday!

Ambareesh with actress-wife Sumalatha!

Malavalli Huchche Gowda Amarnath was offered his first role in film 'Naagarahaavu' (1972) made by Puttanna Kanagal..'Chitra Bramha' of Kannada cinema. He got screen name Ambareesh here! Famous actor Vishnuvardhan was in the lead of it. This award winning film latter remade in Hindi by Kanagal as 'Zehreela Insaan' (1974) with Rishi Kapoor in the lead & Ambareesh was also there!

Ambareesh's  Angry Young Man in film 'Antha' (1981)

After doing such antagonist and supporting roles he soon earned the lead position in Kannada films..includes kanagal's last directorial 'Masanada Hoovu' (1984) which won multiple awards. With playing various roles in films he achieved 'matinee idol' status in popular culture of Karnataka!

In 1980s Ambareesh played Angry Young Man in several films in which includes Rajendra Singh Babu made political satire 'Antha'. He won Best Actor award for his character in it! This film also remade in Hindi as 'Meri Aawaz Suno' (1981) with Jeetendra in main role! After that with doing films like..blockbuster 'Tony' (1982) & musical hit 'Lavina Udugore' (1987) he became Rebel Star of Kannada cinema!

Ambareesh in powerful character role!

Ambareesh acted with legendary Kannada actor Rajkumar only once..in 'Odahuttidavaru' (1994) a romantic film made by S. K. Bhagavan and Dorairaj. 
He broke Rajkumar's record of hero in 206 films..by playing lead in 208 films!

In 1994 Ambareesh entered in Politics.. by joining 'Indian National Congress'. Then he became MLA and minister in Karnataka Government (2013 to 2016) 
of then Cheif Minister Siddaramaiah!

Ambareesh got many state awards for 
his acting. And honoured with Karnataka Government's Dr.Vishnuvardhan award!

A Homage!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']