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
Maddur town 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.