Ambareesh, former union minister and Kannada actor, dies at 66 in Bengaluru

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Ambareesh, former union minister and Kannada actor, dies at 66 in Bengaluru

Ambareesh, former union minister and Kannada actor, passes away Bengaluru (File Photo)

Former Congress MLA and former union minister Ambareesh, 66, passed away at Bengaluru's Vikram hospital on Saturday. The actor-turned-politician was rushed to the hospital following progressive breathlessness this evening. According to reports, Ambareesh was suffering from a kidney ailment. Previously, Ambareesh was being treated for lung infection. The hospital authorities have cited cardic arrest for Ambaressh's death.

Meanwhile, mourning the demise of former Karnataka minister, the Congress took to its official Twitter handle and wrote, "We are shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely passing of former union minister, veteran actor and Congress leader Dr Ambareesh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family".

Soon after the report of his demise broke on the internet, security has been tightened outside the hospital. The police have placed barricades at the entrance with scores of Ambareesh's followers continue to throng the hospital.

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Social media has been flooded with condolence messages ever since the news came to light. While actor-turned-politician Rajanikanth mourned the loss of his dear friend, former Karnataka chief minister Sadananda Gowda expressed sadness over the leader's death.

Taking to Twitter, Rajinikanth wrote, "A wonderful human being ... my best friend ... I have lost you today and will miss you ... Rest In Peace #Ambrish".

"Yet another shocking news , Gentleman actor , Loved by all human , Former Union State  Minister Sri Amabarish is no more . He had enlightened so many lives with his generosity," Gowda tweeted along with a picture of Ambareesh.

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Talking about his political career, Ambareesh had opted out of the Assembly elections after being given a Congress ticket from Mandya constituency. He was elected to the Lok Sabha three times from Mandya. In 1998, he was elected from the Janata Dal.  In 1999 and 2004, he reached the Lok Sabha on a Congress ticket.

MH Amaranath popularly known as Ambareesh stepped into Kannada Film Industry with his debut in Puttanna Kanagal's Nagara Haavu in 1972. Since then he has appeared in about 208 films, including some other popular ventures of Kanagal such as Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, Shubhamangala, Masanada Hoovu and Ranganayaki.

Bengaluru congress Ambareesh. Kannada actor