Ambareesh (1952-2018)

Malavalli Huchche Gowda Amarnath, fondly known as "Rebel Star" Ambareesh, passed away on Saturday night at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 66.

'Rebel star' Ambareesh cremated with full state honours at the Kanteerava Studio

Abhishek lights the funeral pyre

Ambareesh's body placed on the funeral pyre

Ambareesh's son Abhishek Gowda performs the last rites

National flag handed over to Sumalatha

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy handed over the national flag wrapped around Ambareesh's body to his wife Sumalatha.

'Abide with me'

As Karnataka bids adieu to one of its favourite sons, the state police band pays tribute through a brilliant rendition of 'Abide with me'.

Priests chant Vishnu Sahasranama

21-gun salute as national anthem rents the air

The Karnataka Police give former actor and Union minister Ambareesh a 21-gun salute as the national anthem rents the air

Sandalwood pays final respects to its 'rebel star'

Ambareesh to be cremated with full state honours

Political leaders pay final respects

Former PM H D Deve Gowda, former Union home minister SushilKumar Shinde, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, former CMs S M Krishna, B S Yeddyurappa and Siddaramaiah led a contingent of heavyweight politicians who paid their last respects to former Union minister Ambareesh.

Priests chant Shanti Mantra

Sea of humanity pays tributes

Actor Darshan (standing atop a lorry) was among the thousands of fans of the rebel star who turned up at the Kanteerava Studio to pay their last respects

Docs attend to Sumalatha

Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha collapses in front of the platform where the funeral pyre will be lit. Doctors immediately rushed to give her medical aid.

Film fraternity, political leaders and fans mourn the demise of rebel star, Ambareesh

Last rites to begin soon; may go on for an hour

Cortege enters Kanteerava Studio

Thousands of fans follow funeral cortege

Cortege now a few metres away from Kanteerava Studio

Massive traffic jams

Massive traffic jams have been reported from across the city due to the funeral procession.

Cortege crosses Goruguntepalya

Vehicular movement banned around Kanteerava Studios

Adichunchanagiri seer, Deve Gowda arrive

The pontiff ofAdichunchanagiri Mutt Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, former PM H D Deve Gowda, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, his son Nikhil and veteran actress Saroja Devi arrive at the Kanteerava Studios.

Arrangements in place inside Kanteerava Studios

Cortege crosses CNR Rao underpass

Politicos arrive at Kanteerava Studios

Former CM B S Yeddyurappa, Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar, PWD Minister H D Revanna and other top leaders from across the political parties arrive at Kanteerava Studios.

Cortege near Circle Maramma Temple

Cortege passes Bashyam Circle, Sadashivnagar

Fans climb flyover

Fans have started to walk up the flyover outside Kanteerava Studios to catch a glimpse of Ambareesh's mortal remains.

Cortege passes Cauvery Junction

Cine stars descend on Kanteerava Studios

Sandalwood stars Srinath, Jai Jagadish, Shiv Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Upendra and Jaggesh, Telugu actor and producer Mohan Babu and family arrive at Kanteerava Studios.

Fans await arrival of cortege at Kanteerava Studios

Cortege passes Windsor Manor Bridge

Traffic thrown out of gear along procession route

Route for final journey

Cortege now on Sankey Road

Funeral platform being readied at Kanteerava Studio

Cortege passes Hudson Circle, KG Road, now at Mysore Bank Circle

'Rebel star' Ambareesh's final journey begins

Arrangements at Kanteerava Studio

The public can enter Kanteerava Studio through Gate 2 and 3. Gate 1 has been reserved for VIPs.

250 kg sandalwood for funeral pyre

The last rites will be performed under the guidance of Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha as per the Vokkaliga tradition. 250-kg of sandalwood will be used in the funeral pyre.

Kiccha Sudeep remembers 'Ambi Anna'

Ambulance arrives at Kanteerava Stadium

The ambulance carrying the mortal remains arrives at Kanteerava Stadium

Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada arrives

Azad arrives to pay homage

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad arrives at the Kanteerava Stadium to pay homage to his former colleague in the Union Council of Ministers of the erstwhile UPA government.

Deputy CM Parameshwara, actor Darshan arrive at Kanteerava Stadium

Jayamala addresses media

Actor and Kannada and Culture Minister Jayamala addresses the media at Kanteerava Stadium

Public can't pay homage at Kanteerava Stadium

Sources confirmed to Deccan Herald that the public will not be allowed to pay homage at the Kanteerava Stadium

IAF chopper lands at HAL Airport in Bengaluru

The IAF chopper carrying the mortal remains of actor-turned-politician Ambareesh has landed at the HAL airport. The body will be shifted to the Kanteerava Stadium shortly.

Traffic ADGP Harisekaran reviews arrangements

Sa Ra Govindu arrives at Kanteerava Stadium

Former KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu and producer Suresh arriveat Kanteerava stadium.

Preparations underway for funeral procession

The vehicle that will carry Ambareesh's mortal remains being readied at the Kanteerava Stadium.

Massive security arrangements

Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed at the Kanteerava Stadium.

Body shifted to chopper

IAF chopper lands; Abhishek thanks people of Mandya

Minutes after the IAF chopper landed at the Sir MV stadium in Mandya, Ambareesh's son Abhishek Gowda went around the stadium with folded hands, thanking the people of Mandya for giving his father a befitting farewell.

4,000 traffic cops on 13-km stretch

4,000 traffic police personnel will be deployed along the 13-km funeral procession route from Kanteerava Stadium (next to Cubbon Park) to Kanteerava Studios (at Laggere off Bangalore-Pune National Highway).

Funeral around 4.30 pm

Priests who will be conducting the funeral rites told Deccan Herald that the 'auspicious' time is between 4.30 pm and 5 pm. Also, the body was also not lifted from Mandya at 9 am due to Rahu Kala (7.30 am to 9 am).

'Large-hearted and a wonderful human being'

Actor Darshan arrives from Sweden

'Challenging star' Darshan, who was shooting for a movie in Sweden, has just arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport in time for Ambareesh's funeral.Darshan shared a special bond with Ambareesh and fondly called him'appaji' (father).

Emotions run high

CM arrives in Mandya

CM arrives in Mandya inchopper. Tells reporters that the mortal remains will be airlifted soon. Says memorial will be constructed in Kanteerava Studios and also a special government programme will be instituted in his name.

Last glimpse

Fans rush to have a last glimpse of 'Mandyada Gandu' Ambareesh.

Stadium entrance shut

The police shut the entry gate to the Sir MV Stadium in Mandya. The body will be air-lifted shortly.

District in-charge minister C S Puttaraju takes stock of the situation

Preparations in Mandya for chopper landing

The funeral procession route

According to traffic police, the procession will take the following route: Hudson Circle, Halasuru Gate, KG Road, Mysore Bank Circle, Palace Road, Basaveshwara Circle, Old High Ground police station Junction, Windsor Manor Junction, Kaveri Junction, Bashyam Circle, Sankey Road, Maramma Circle, BHEL, Yeshwanthpur Flyover Metro Right Turn, RMC Yard police station, Gurugunta Palya Junction left turn, CMTI, FTI and reach the Kanteerava Studio.

Ambareesh's mortal remains will be brought back to Bengaluru from Mandya around 9.00 am in the defence chopper.

Actor turned politician Ambareesh never run behind power but was very popular in the power corridor of the national capital.

READ MORE

Looking back

Tough times for the police

Police escort people who broke the barricade to catch a glimpse of their 'rebel star' out of the stadium. The numbers are swelling at the stadium and it's not going to be an easy task for the Mandya District Police.

Suttur seer arrives at Sir MV Stadium

The pontiff of Suttur Mutt Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji payed homage to Ambareesh at the Sir MV Stadium in Mandya.

Kanakadasa Jayanthi celebrations postponed

The state government has postponed Monday's programmes regarding Kanakadasa Jayathi celebrations. The new date will be notified soon. Initially, the government had issued a notification to tone down celebrations but now seems to have changed its mind.

No sale of liquor in Mandya

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Mandya district and sale of liquor has been banned till Monday night.

IAF chopper lands in Mandya

The Indian Air Force chopper carrying the mortal remains of actor Ambareesh lands in Mandya.

Words of solace

Actor Jayanthi tries to console an inconsolable Sumalatha, wife of the late actor-cum-politician.

Malls shut in Majestic

Thousands of people have already arrived at Sir MV Stadium in Mandya

Ambulance reaches HAL Airport

Zero traffic

A zero traffic corridor has been put in place to shift the body to HAL airport. The IAF decided not to land in Kanteerava Stadium as there are tall buildings and large trees in the vicinity.

Security personnel shift body inside ambulance

Union minister D V Sadanand Gowda pays homage

Teary eyed D K Shivakumar bids farewell to his friend

Ambulance arrives

Ambulance arrives inside the stadium. Thebody will be moved to HAL Airport and will be airlifted from there to Mandya.

Memorable melodies of 'Rebel Star' Ambareesh

Here are some of the memorable songs from his hit movies:

Watch

Theatres shut

Theatres in and around Majestic areas have stopped screening movies for the day.

IAF begins trials

The Indian Air Force has begun trial landings at the Sir M V Stadium in Mandya.

The myriad hues

4-5 lakh expected in Mandya

Mandya Deputy Commissioner N Manjusri said: "Around 4 to 5 lakh people are expected to pay homage. Around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to control the crowd. The public can pay their last respects at Sir M V Stadium. The helicopter will also land at the same venue. VVIP choppers will be allowed to land at V C Farm at Tubinakere."

Adichunchanagiri seer arrives

The pontiff of Adichunchanagiri Mutt Nirmalananda Swamiji paid homage to Ambareesh. The seer offered words of solace to the bereaved family.

Lawyer opposes funeral at Kanteerava Studios

Local TV channels are reporting that alawyer, R L N Murthy, has written to Governor Vajubhai Vala and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy against holding the funeral at Kanteerava Studios. Murthy has reportedly also sought an appointment with the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court.

Jayanthi pays homage

One of the tallest figures of the Kannada film industry actor Jayanthi paid her last respects to Ambareesh. She is consoled by producer S Narayan and Girija Lokesh.

Former PM among first to pay homage

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his mother Chennamma were among the first who paid homage to the late actor-cum-politician.

Megastar Chiranjeevi pays homage

Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi pays last respects to his close friend Ambareesh.

From across the spectrum

(From left) Producers Rockline Venkatesh and S Narayan (standing), Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, Sandalwood star Ravichandran and music composer Hamsalekha all paid their last respects.

Thousands still await their turn

Thousands of fans are still waiting for their turn to pay their last respects to the 'rebel star'. So far, there have been no reports of any untoward incidents. Violence had rocked the city after the demise of thespian Dr Raj Kumar.

Two fans commit suicide

Local TV channels have reported that two fans from Mandya district have committed suicide. The chief minister, since yesterday, has been requesting fans and especially the people of Mandya to not give in to emotions and give a befitting farewell to their beloved icon.

KPCC president Dinesh Gundu Rao arrives at Kanteerava Stadium

Ambareesh was like my brother: Madhu Bangarappa

People queue up to pay tributes to Ambareesh

Telugu actor Chiranjeevi arrived at Bengaluru. Actor Mahesh Babu is expected to reach soon.

Please do not pressurise to hold funeral at Mandya: HDK

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy requested people of Mandya no to pressurise the government to hold the funeral of actor-turned-politician Ambareesh at his home district Mandya.

The funeral is scheduled to be held on Monday at Kanteerava Studio, Bengaluru.

Ambareesh's body to be taken to Mandy on Sunday evening

As the Defence Ministry approved the request of Karnataka govt to provide a chopper to take the mortal remains of former union minister Ambareesh to his native district of Mandya, arrangements are underway.

The body will reach Vishwesaraya stadium, Mandya, around 5.30 pm. It will be brought back to Bengaluru on Monday morning.

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy thanked the Union government for the co-operation.

Ambareesh was a strong voice for Karnataka’s welfare: Modi

Congress family has lost a valuable member: Rahul

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan express condolences

Prohibitory order issued for liquor sales in Mandya till Monday night.

CM H D Kumaraswamy seeks defence chopper to take the mortal remains of actor Ambareesh to his hometown Mandya.

CM H D Kumaraswamy seeks defence chopper to take the mortal remains of actor Ambareesh to his hometown Mandya.

If the chopper is made available by the Defence Ministry, thebody will be airlifted to Mandya and kept at Vishweswaraya Stadium until 6 am, Monday. It will be brought back to Bengaluru for the funeral.

Superstar Rajinikanth pay last respects to Ambareesh at Kanteerava stadium

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy pay last respects to Ambareesh.

VHP postpones city event

A rally planned by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at Basavagudi Grounds to build pressure on the Centre for construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya on Sunday has been postponed due to thedemise of actor turned politician M H Ambareesh.
The 'Janagraha Sabha' will now be held at same venue on December 2.

The state police had made elaborate security arrangements for the meetings.

A rebel who was loved by all: HDK

Condoling the death of the actor and veteran Congress leader, CM H D Kumaraswamy called him a rebel who was loved by all.

"Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely death of my beloved friend Ambareesh. In his death, an era of love and affection in the Kannada film industry has ended," he said.

Security beefed up

Traffic restrictions imposed near Kanteerava Stadium. Security beefed up in the city.

CPM cancels protest rally

CPM IT Front has postponed its protest rally, scheduled for Sunday in Bengaluru, "against the Anti-people policies of the Central govt."

"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the demise of former union minister, veteran actor and Congress leader Dr. Ambareesh. To show our respect and condolences we are postponing the rally and public meeting," its secretary said in a Facebook post.

Funeral on Monday

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, in consultation with the family members of Ambareesh and the film industry, has announced that the last rites of Ambareesh will be conducted near Rajkumar memorial at Kanteerava Studios, Bengaluru, with state honours on November 26 (Monday).

Ambareesh's mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.

Three day holiday in Karnataka

Karnataka declares three-day mourning as a mark of respect to Ambareesh.

Bad boy, hero, and Kannada filmdom’s rough-hewn icon

Ambareesh was Kannada cinema’s most popular actor after Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan. He was also the only one, of the three, who took a successful shot at electoral politics.

Read more here.