Veteran Kannada films rebel star Ambareesh dead (Lead)
Bengaluru : Veteran Kannada films rebel actor M.H. Ambareesh died at a private hospital here on Saturday night due to heart attack, said a duty doctor. He was 66.
"Ambareesh died at around 9.30 p.m. after a massive cardiac arrest (heart attack) and a couple of hours after he was brought to our hospital in the evening due to breathing (respiratory) problem," the doctor told IANS.
The super star of the sandalwood film industry is survived by his widow and multi-lingual actress Sumalatha and son Abhishek.
Ambareesh was former cabinet minister in the previous Congress government from May 2013 to June 2016 when then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sacked him along with 13 other ministers in a major reshuffle of his ministry.
He was also Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the first UPA government and a Parliament member from Mandya Lok Sabha constituency, about 100 km from here.
"Ambareesh's death is a great loss. His contribution to Kannada cinema is immense. I pray to God to give his family members and his multitude fans strength to bear the loss," Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said in a statement here.
Siddaramaiah tweeted that the rebel star was not only a great actor and a proven politician, but also a great human being. "You will be missed," the former Chief Minister said.
Ambareesh entered filmdom through the role of 'Jaleel' in veteran director Puttanna Kanagal's 'Naagarahaavu' in 1972.
He also acted in 'Shubhamangala', 'Antha', 'Chakravyuha', 'Masanada Hoovu', 'Olavina Udugere', 'Hrudaya Haadithu', 'Odahuttidavaru', 'Diggajaru' and 'Elu Suttina Kote', where he played a critically acclaimed role.