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**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.
as Bheeshma
as Ambi
as Doddmane Rajeeva
as Amarnath
as Bulbul, Cameo appearance
as Yamadharma Raja
as Madakari Nayaka
as Amarnath a.k.a. Anna
as Ambikeswara Maharaju
as Chikkayya / Mutthayya
as CBI Officer Yashwanth
as Raje Gowda
as Ambi
as Seena
as Sudhakar
as Dr. Prasad
as Special Appearance
as Gopi
as Inspector Naveen
as Indrajith
as Agent Amar
as Arjun
as Raam
as Brahmendra
as Inspector Arjun
as Hotel supplier
as Chandra
as Anand
as Dr. Anand
as Singaru
as Vikram
as Biju
as Inspector Raghu
as Amarnath
as Raja
as Tony Malcolm
as Ramanna
as Police Officer
as Amarnath
as Guest Appearance
as Kariya
as Peter
as Dhoomappa
as Kamalesh
as Mooga
as Sridhar
as Jaleel
as Ravi
as Ravi's Friend
as Jaleela
