Malavalli Huchche Gowda Amarnath (born 29 May 1952), known mononymously by screen name Ambareesh, is an Indian film actor, media personality and a politician from the Karnataka state. Born and raised at Doddarasinakere Village of Maddur Talluk in Mandya District of Karnataka, he is fondly referred to as Mandayada Gandu (English: Man of Mandya). Following his debut in Puttanna Kanagal's National Film Award-winning Naagarahaavu (1972), his acting career commenced with a brief phase of portraying antagonistic and supporting characters in Kannada films. After establishing himself as a lead rebellion actor in a number of commercially successful films, he became synonymous with the term "rebel star" and has since continued to hold a matinee idol status in the popular culture of Karnataka state. He is widely revered as "Karunada Karna"(English: Karna of Karnataka) for his numerous charity works.
He's currently the MLA with the Indian National Congress party, winning the assembly election of the Mandya constituency, by a margin of 42,937 votes. He served as Minister of Housing,Karnataka Government in the Cabinet of Chef Minister Siddaramaiah from May 2013 to June 2016.
Besides winning many State Government awards and filmfare awards for his acting career, Ambareesh was felicitated with the honorary doctorate from the Dharwad university in 2013 at their 63rd annual convocation ceremony.
M. H. Ambareesh
Indian Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting
In office
24 October 2006 – 15 February 2007
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Succeeded by Choudhury Mohan Jatua & S. Jagathrakshakan
Member of Parliament
In office
1998–2009
Preceded by S. M. Krishna
Succeeded by N. Chaluvaraya Swamy
Constituency Mandya
Personal details
Born M. H. Amarnath
29 May 1952 (age 65)
Mandya, Mysore State, India
Political party Indian National Congress
Spouse(s) Sumalatha
(m.1991-present)
Children Abhishek (b.1993)
Residence Bangalore
Profession Actor
