Rebel Star Ambareesh turns 60 today and the actor has completed 40 years in Sandalwood. The entire Kannada industry is taking part in the actor’s birthday celebrations with Producer, Rockline Venkatesh and Director S Narayan, organizing the gala event.
Malavallii Huche Gowda Amarnath, better known as Ambareesh, is an established Kannada actor and a politician. Also known as Rebel Star and ‘Mandyada Gandu’, Ambareesh entered Kannada films with ‘Nagarahavu’ directed by Puttanna Kanagal. He portrayed the role of a villain and the character went on to become immortal. There was no looking back for this actor. The actor played the protagonist in ‘Amarnath’, which was directed by V K Ramesh. But, it was only with ‘Antha’ that Ambareesh became the Rebel Star. The movie was remade in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil. Ambareesh has acted in about 208 films. His famous films are ‘Paduvaralli Pandavaru’, ‘Ranganayaki’, ‘Shubha Mangala’, ‘Antha’, ‘Maharani’, ‘Garuda Dwaja’, ‘Chakrayvuha’, ‘Hrudaya Haaditu’, and ‘Olavina Udugore’ among others.
'Ambareesh is a person with a Golden Heart'
Rebel Star is a rare kind of a person. He has remained an affectionate and caring person despite achieving tremendous fame. I have never seen him unhappy even for a second. That’s the motto he lives by and wants everyone to follow. I can connect with his rags to riches story. Since I am older to him by 10 years, I bless him on his birthday. I pray and hope that his 100th birthday is celebrated in greater fanfare. We have done approximately 30 movies together. He started out as a villain, later moved to supporting roles, and went on to act as a hero in multi-starrer films. I have acted as his father in one of his films. He is really a role model for everybody. I am very happy and proud to say that Ambareesh is my friend.
— Srinath, Actor
'This star never aimed to be a hero'
Two stars were born with the film ‘Nagarahavu’. One is Vishnuvardhan and the other is Ambareesh. He never wished, aimed or wanted to be an actor. He was happy doing small roles and villain characters. Today, as a hero, he has spun magic. Ambareesh has always been a good friend and will remain one. Be it politics, sports or in films, he has been successful in every field. I wish him all the best in all his endeavours. I hope to see him as the Chief Minister of Karnataka someday. Behind every successful man, there is a woman. Hence, I should mention Sumalatha, who has always been with him in his every step. Son Abhishek too is a star in his own way. Today, Ambareesh is doing very well as the chairperson of the Artistes' Association.
— Shivaram, Actor
'He is a role model to many'
He has worked for 40 years in the Kannada industry and is still doing well. I have worked with him in 11 films. Our combination started with ‘Antha’, which was one of the biggest blockbusters. He is a person who carries a positive attitude. Back in those days, there used to be multi-starrer films, where one would have lesser roles than a hero. He made sure that no artiste would feel inferior ever with their roles. He used to praise them for their acting skills and talk to them about their costumes. He is everybody’s role model.
— Jayamala, Actress
'Ambareesh is like sugar, always sweet'
Ambareesh as an actor has done so much for Sandalwood. This celebration is just a small contribution from us. I was always a big fan of Dr Rajkumar, Vishuvardhan and Ambareesh. Before I became an artiste, I used to be among the audiences who went miles to see the shooting. Today, I am glad to be an actor and producer, and am lucky to work in a couple of films with the Rebel Star. He is as sweet as sugar and is always joyful. Sandalwood needs his blessings and the entire industry wishes him success.
— Rockline Venkatesh, Producer
'He is a saviour for everyone'
Actually, Ambareesh looks like a rebel. But he is an extremely jolly person and very down-to-earth. One good thing about him is his helping nature. He is like a saviour for people, who have problems. He makes sure that the problems are solved immediately. When I went for the first day of the shoot for ‘Rani Maharani’, I was scared. But, the second day, I felt that we both studied in the same school. I wish him all the happiness and success.
— Malashree, Actress
'Ambareesh is a person'
I have seen him act both as a villain and hero. I find him to be extremely straight forward. I have worked with him in two films. I still remember, we both acted in Puttanakanagal's last film, ‘Masanada Hoovu’. There was one scene in the film, for which I was applauded. Both Puttanakanagal and Ambareesh said I would get a State award. Their predictions came true and I won an award for that film. I wish him all the best and may all his dreams come true. He is a person who does a lot for the society.
— Jayanthi, Actress