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{{short description|Indian actress and politician}}
{{short description|Indian actress and politician (born 1963)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| party              = [[Independent (politician)|Independent]]
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (2024–present)
| other_party        = [[Independent politician|Independent]] (2019–2024)
| name                = Sumalatha
| name                = Sumalatha
| image              = Sumalatha (2).jpg
| image              = Sumalatha (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Sumalatha in 2019
| caption            = Sumalatha in 2019
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| office              = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]
| constituency        = [[Mandya (Lok Sabha constituency) |Mandya]]
| constituency        = [[Mandya Lok Sabha constituency|Mandya]]
| term_start          = 23 May 2019
| term_start          = 23 May 2019
| term_end            =  
| term_end            = 4 June 2024
| predecessor        = [[L. R. Shivarame Gowda]]
| predecessor        = [[L. R. Shivarame Gowda]]
| successor          =  
| successor          = [[H.D.Kumaraswamy]]
| birthname          =  
| birth_name          =  
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1962|8|27|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Parliament of India biodata|url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=5180|access-date=23 June 2020}}</ref><!--Must be attributed to reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No faceless blogs. WP:BLPPRIVACY-->
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1963|8|27|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliament of India biodata |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=5180 |access-date=23 June 2020}}</ref><!--Must be attributed to reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No faceless blogs. WP:BLPPRIVACY-->
| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Madras State]], [[India]]<!--At the time the subject was born, Chennai was called Madras and Tamil Nadu was called Madras State-->
| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Madras State]] (present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu), [[India]]
| death_date          =  
| death_date          =  
| death_place        =  
| death_place        =  
| occupation          = {{hlist|Actress|Politician}}
| occupation          = {{hlist|Actress|politician}}
| years_active        = 1979–present
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Ambareesh]]|1991|2018|end=died}}
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Ambareesh]]|1991|2018|end=died}}
| children            = [[Abhishek Gowda]]
| children            = [[Abhishek Gowda]]
}}
}}
'''Sumalatha''' (b 1963) is an [[Indian film]] actress,  politician who is the current [[Member of Parliament]] in the [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Mandya (Lok Sabha constituency) |Mandya]],  [[Karnataka]]. She has acted in more than 220 films in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Hindi]]. She gained popularity in [[Telugu Cinema]] and [[Malayalam cinema]] and later married Kannada actor-politician [[Ambareesh]] and has a son [[Abhishek Gowda]].
'''Sumalatha Ambareesh''' (born 27 August 1963) is an Indian actress and politician. She has acted in over 220 films across multiple languages, primarily in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], and [[Kannada]], with a few appearances in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Hindi]] cinema. She received the [[Nandi Awards|Nandi Award]] for [[Nandi Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] for her role in ''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' (1987).


In March 2019, Sumalatha announced that she would seek election for Lok Sabha from Mandya constituency of Karnataka as an independent candidate. On  23 May 2019, Sumalatha won against Nikhil Kumaraswamy by a margin of more than 1.25 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha election.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.news18.com/lok-sabha-elections-2019/karnataka/sumalatha-mandya-candidate-s10p20c01/ | title=Sumalatha Ambareesh | publisher=news18.com | date=2019 | access-date=8 October 2020 }}</ref>
Sumalatha is the widow of Kannada actor-politician [[Ambareesh]], with whom she has a son, [[Abhishek Ambareesh]]. In March 2019, she announced her candidacy for the [[Mandya Lok Sabha constituency|Mandya]] Lok Sabha seat in [[Karnataka]]. Contesting as an independent, she won the election, defeating [[Nikhil Kumaraswamy]] by a margin of over 1.25 [[lakh]] votes.<ref>{{cite news |year=2019 |title=Sumalatha Ambareesh |url=https://www.news18.com/lok-sabha-elections-2019/karnataka/sumalatha-mandya-candidate-s10p20c01/ |access-date=8 October 2020 |publisher=news18.com}}</ref>
[[File:0I5B1233.jpg|thumb|Sumalatha Received Honorary Doctorate from United Technological Research University of America]]


==Career==
==Career==
[[File:Sumalatha.jpg|thumb|right|Sumalatha during [[60th Filmfare Awards South]] in 2013]]
[[File:Sumalatha.jpg|thumb|right|Sumalatha during [[60th Filmfare Awards South]] in 2013]]
Sumalatha did her schooling at St. Joseph's Convent School, Brodipet, Guntur.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sumalatha Ambareesh(Independent(IND)):Constituency- MANDYA(KARNATAKA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=http://myneta.info/LokSabha2019/candidate.php?candidate_id=7742 |website=myneta.info}}</ref> She began acting at age 15, after winning an Andhra Pradesh [[beauty contest]] in 1979. After her pictures began circulating in the magazines, film producer [[D. Ramanaidu]] expressed interest in casting her in his film and offered her a signining amount of {{INR}}1,001 in 1979.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shivakumar|first1=S.|title=On the road of flowers|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/on-the-road-of-flowers/article7036978.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=23 April 2017|date=27 March 2015}}</ref> However, she made her film debut in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] with ''[[Thisai Maariya Paravaigal]]'' (1979). She was named the Best New Face following the film. Her Kannada entry was through ''Ravichandra'' opposite to [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]. She entered Telugu through ''Samajaniki Saval'' (1979), and Malayalam through ''Moorkhan'' (1980). She appeared in films in many languages [[Kannada language|Kannada]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] early in her career. She was [[Rajinikanth]]'s second heroine besides [[Rati Agnihotri]] in films like ''[[Murattu Kaalai (1980 film)|Murattu Kaalai]]'' and ''[[Kazhugu (1981 film)|Kazhugu]]''. She was the heroine of legendary Malayalam actor [[Jayan]]'s last film ''[[Kolilakkam]]'' (1981). In her Malayalam entry film ''Moorkhan'', she acted as Jayan's second heroine.  Her most memorable Malayalam films include ''[[Thazhvaram]]'', ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'', ''[[Nirakkoottu]]'', ''[[Dhinarathrangal]]'', ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'', ''[[Parampara (1990 film)|Parampara]]'' and ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=14763455&programId=7940855&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=3|work=ManoramaOnline}}</ref> She has acted in many Kannada movies like ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'', ''Avatara Purusha'', ''Tayi Kanasu'', ''Karna'', ''Hong Kong nalli Agent Amar'' ''Tayiya Hone'', ''Kallarali Hoovagi'' and ''Ravichandra'', in which she acted with actor [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]. Malayalam is the language in which she acted the most times, followed by Telugu.
Sumalatha did her schooling at St. Joseph's Convent School, Brodipet, [[Guntur]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sumalatha Ambareesh(Independent(IND)):Constituency- MANDYA(KARNATAKA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate |url=http://myneta.info/LokSabha2019/candidate.php?candidate_id=7742 |website=myneta.info}}</ref> She began acting at age 15, after winning an Andhra Pradesh [[beauty contest]] in 1979. After her pictures began circulating in the magazines, film producer [[D. Ramanaidu]] expressed interest in casting her in his film and offered her a signing amount of {{INR}}1,001 in 1979.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shivakumar |first1=S. |title=On the road of flowers |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/on-the-road-of-flowers/article7036978.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=23 April 2017 |date=27 March 2015}}</ref> However, she made her film debut in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] with ''[[Thisai Maariya Paravaigal]]'' (1979). She was named the Best New Face following the film.


She received the best actress Nandi Award for her role in ''[[Shrutilayalu]]'' in 1987. She is a close friend of actress [[Suhasini Maniratnam]], her co-star in a [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] movie. The friendship between the two provided the material for a candid scene in the film, when director Kodandarami Reddy noticed Suhasini combing Sumalatha's long hair on the train journey to the film set. Reddy asked his cameraman, Ashok Reddy, to film the two and added the scene to the movie's final cut.<ref>http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/birds/39/</ref>
She entered the Telugu film industry with ''Samajaniki Saval'' (1979). She made her Kannada debut with ''Ravichandra'' (1980) opposite [[Dr. Rajkumar]] her Malayalam debut with ''Moorkhan'' (1980). She was [[Rajinikanth]]'s heroine along with [[Rati Agnihotri]] in films like ''[[Murattu Kaalai (1980 film)|Murattu Kaalai]]'' and ''[[Kazhugu (1981 film)|Kazhugu]]''. She was the heroine of legendary Malayalam actor [[Jayan]]'s last film ''[[Kolilakkam]]'' (1981).


Sumalatha reportedly speaks six languages, and has acted in five.
Sumalatha reportedly speaks six languages, and has acted in five appearing in many [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]] films and a few in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Hindi]]. Her most memorable Malayalam films include ''[[Thazhvaram]]'', ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'', ''[[Nirakkoottu]]'', ''[[Dhinarathrangal]]'', ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'', ''[[Parampara (1990 film)|Parampara]]'' and ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nostalgia |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=14763455&programId=7940855&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=3 |website=www.manoramaonline.com |access-date=23 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816015706/http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=14763455&programId=7940855&channelId=-1073750705&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=3 |archive-date=Aug 16, 2013 |language=ml |date=Aug 14, 2013}}</ref> Her popular Kannada movies include ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'', [[Avatara Purusha (1989 film)|''Avatara Purusha'']], ''[[New Delhi (1988 Kannada film)|New Delhi]],'' ''Taayi Kanasu'', ''Karna'', ''Hong Kongnalli Agent Amar,'' ''Taayiya Hone'' and ''Kallarali Hoovagii.''
 
She received the best actress Nandi Award for her role in ''[[Shrutilayalu]]'' in 1987.
 
She is a close friend of actress [[Suhasini Maniratnam]]. The friendship between the two provided the material for a candid scene in the film, when director Kodandarami Reddy noticed Suhasini combing Sumalatha's long hair on a train journey to the film set. Reddy had asked his cameraman, Ashok Reddy, to film the two and added the scene to the movie's final cut.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/birds/39/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 April 2008 |archive-date=1 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801192539/http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/birds/39/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:The Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Shri M. H. Ambareesh and his wife Smt. Sumalatha calls on the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.jpg|thumb|left|Sumalatha with husband [[Ambareesh]]]]
[[File:The Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Shri M. H. Ambareesh and his wife Smt. Sumalatha calls on the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.jpg|thumb|left|Sumalatha with husband [[Ambareesh]]]]
Sumalatha married [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] actor and politician [[Ambareesh]] on 8 December 1991 and their son Abhishek Gowda was born in the year 1993.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ambi not interested in films - Sumalatha |date=27 February 2007 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/29411.html |publisher=IndiaGlitz|access-date=14 June 2009}}</ref> She starred alongside Ambareesh<ref>{{cite news |title=Ambarish, Mrs.Sumalatha to act together |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/ambarish-sumalatha-050506.html |work=OneIndia |date=6 May 2006 |access-date=14 June 2009}}</ref> in movies like ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'', ''[[Avatara Purusha]]'', ''[[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'', ''[[New Delhi (1988 Kannada film)|New Delhi]]'' and ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]. [[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'' went on to win a [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]].
Sumalatha married [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] actor and politician [[Ambareesh]] on 8 December 1991 and their son Abhishek Gowda was born in the year 1993.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} She starred alongside Ambareesh{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}} in movies like ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'', ''[[Avatara Purusha (1989 film)|Avatara Purusha]]'', ''[[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'', ''[[New Delhi (1988 Kannada film)|New Delhi]]'' and ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]. [[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'' went on to win a [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]].


In an interview with [[TV9 Kannada]], the couple revealed that they first met each other on the sets of the movie ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]''. In the course of the interview, Sumalatha expressed that Ambareesh was [[Extroversion and introversion|extroverted]] and gregarious in nature where as she leaned more towards having an [[introverted]] and [[Conscientiousness|conscientious]] personality on the sets. She shared memories of Ambareesh giving her friendly advice to mingle with other co-stars in the set by involving herself in group activities; else it could lead to misunderstandings. She revealed that it was [[Ambareesh]]'s bold, genuine, carefree, down to earth personality that made him memorable and attractive to her.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62TkNXk8Loo&p=63A3F7071FFD1B8C&index=16|title=Rebel-Star ಅಂಬರೀಶ್Sumalatha ,PRAMAPALLAVI|date=11 August 2009|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumalatha.tripod.com/personal.htm|title=personal}}</ref>
In an interview with [[TV9 Kannada]], the couple revealed that they first met each other on the sets of the movie ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]''. In the course of the interview, Sumalatha expressed that Ambareesh was [[extraversion and introversion|extroverted]] and gregarious in nature where as she leaned more towards an [[introverted]] and [[Conscientiousness|conscientious]] personality on the sets. She shared memories of Ambareesh giving her friendly advice to mingle with other co-stars on set by involving herself in group activities; else it could lead to misunderstandings. She revealed that it was Ambareesh's bold, and carefree personality that made him memorable and attractive to her.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62TkNXk8Loo&p=63A3F7071FFD1B8C&index=16 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/62TkNXk8Loo |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Rebel-Star ಅಂಬರೀಶ್Sumalatha ,PRAMAPALLAVI |date=11 August 2009 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sumalatha.tripod.com/personal.htm|title=personal|website=sumalatha.tripod.com}}</ref>


On 24 November 2018 [[Ambareesh]] died due to a cardiac arrest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/kannada-actor-former-union-minister-ambareesh-dies-in-bengaluru-hospital/articleshow/66789564.cms|title=Ambareesh death: Kannada actor, former Union minister Ambareesh died in Bengaluru hospital|date=25 November 2018|first=Anil|last=Gejji|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> Few days after Sumalatha shared an emotional letter addressed to late [[Ambareesh]] on 8 December 2018 the eve of their 27th marriage anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/sumaambareesh/posts/10156900187869266|title=Sumalatha Amarnath|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref>
On 24 November 2018 Ambareesh died due to a cardiac arrest.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/kannada-actor-former-union-minister-ambareesh-dies-in-bengaluru-hospital/articleshow/66789564.cms |title=Ambareesh death: Kannada actor, former Union minister Ambareesh died in Bengaluru hospital |date=25 November 2018 |first=Anil |last=Gejji |website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> Sumalatha shared an emotional letter addressed to late Ambareesh on 8 December 2018, their 27th wedding anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/sumaambareesh/posts/10156900187869266 |title=Sumalatha Amarnath |via=Facebook |language=en |access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=February 2024}} On 6 July 2020, it was reported that Sumalatha tested positive for [[COVID-19]] and had placed herself in home quarantine.


On 6 July 2020 It was reported that Sumalatha tested positive for COVID-19 and placed herself in home quarantine.
==Political life==
In March 2019, Sumalatha announced that she would be contesting as an independent candidate in the [[2019 Indian general election in Karnataka]] ([[Lok Sabha]]) from [[Mandya]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mandya-sumalatha-to-contest-as-independent-candidate-723819.html |title=Sumalatha to contest Mandya LS polls as an independent |date=18 March 2019 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref> She was backed by big stars from the [[Kannada film industry]] like [[Darshan (Kannada actor)|Darshan]], [[Yash (actor)|Yash]], [[Rockline Venkatesh]], [[Doddanna]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/its-official-sumalatha-to-contest-as-independent-from-mandya/article26572594.ece |title=It's official. Sumalatha to contest as Independent from Mandya |date=18 March 2019 |work=The Hindu |access-date=7 March 2020 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] decided not to field a candidate in [[Mandya]] in efforts to support her. Some of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]] workers supported her indirectly due to the history of traditional rivalry between JDS - Congress rivalry in [[Mandya]] which was a tricky situation for congress.<ref>{{cite news |title=Actor Ambareesh's Wife Sumalatha Gets BJP Backing In Karnataka's Mandya |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-actor-ambareeshs-wife-sumalatha-gets-bjp-backing-in-karnatakas-mandya-2011866 |access-date=18 May 2019 |work=NDTV.com |date=23 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref> She won, defeating Nikhil with a margin of 128,876 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karnataka-lok-sabha-election-results-kumaraswamys-son-nikhil-loses-in-mandya/articleshow/69469766.cms |title=Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results: Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil loses in Mandya |date=23 May 2019 |website=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> She is the first Independent woman [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of parliament]] from [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yasmeen |first=Afshan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/two-women-from-state-heading-to-lok-sabha-this-time/article27243939.ece |title=Two women from State heading to Lok Sabha this time |date=25 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |access-date=7 March 2020 |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Political life==
Sumalatha joined BJP ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections on 5 April 2024 in the presence of Former Chief Ministers [[B S Yediyurappa]] & [[D V Sadananda Gowda]], State President B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka, national General Secretary in-charge of elections in Karnataka Radha Mohan Das Agarwal.<ref name="Karnataka Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh Joins BJP Ahead Of Polls">{{cite news |last1=NDTV |title=Karnataka Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh Joins BJP Ahead Of Polls |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karnataka-independent-mp-sumalatha-ambareesh-joins-bjp-ahead-of-polls-5379410 |access-date=5 April 2024 |work= |date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405190420/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karnataka-independent-mp-sumalatha-ambareesh-joins-bjp-ahead-of-polls-5379410 |archive-date=5 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh joins BJP in Karnataka">{{cite news |last1=The Hindu |title=Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh joins BJP in Karnataka |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mandya-mp-sumalatha-ambareesh-joins-bjp-in-karnataka/article68032224.ece |access-date=5 April 2024 |date=5 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405190935/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mandya-mp-sumalatha-ambareesh-joins-bjp-in-karnataka/article68032224.ece |archive-date=5 April 2024 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
In March 2019, Sumalatha announced that she would be contesting as an independent candidate in the [[2019 Indian general election in Karnataka]] ([[Lok Sabha]]) from [[Mandya]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mandya-sumalatha-to-contest-as-independent-candidate-723819.html|title=Sumalatha to contest Mandya LS polls as an independent|date=2019-03-18|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref> She was backed by big stars from the [[Kannada Film Industry]] like [[Darshan (actor)|Darshan]], [[Yash (actor)|Yash]], [[Rockline Venkatesh]], [[Doddanna]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/its-official-sumalatha-to-contest-as-independent-from-mandya/article26572594.ece|title=It's official. Sumalatha to contest as Independent from Mandya|date=2019-03-18|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|others=Special Correspondent|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] decided not to field a candidate in [[Mandya]] in efforts to support her. Some of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress Party]] workers supported her indirectly due to the history of traditional rivalry between JDS - Congress rivalry in [[Mandya]] which was a tricky situation for congress.<ref>{{cite news |title=Actor Ambareesh's Wife Sumalatha Gets BJP Backing In Karnataka's Mandya |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2019-actor-ambareeshs-wife-sumalatha-gets-bjp-backing-in-karnatakas-mandya-2011866 |access-date=18 May 2019 |work=NDTV.com |date=23 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref> She won, defeating Nikhil with a margin of 128,876 votes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karnataka-lok-sabha-election-results-kumaraswamys-son-nikhil-loses-in-mandya/articleshow/69469766.cms|title=Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results: Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil loses in Mandya|date=23 May 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> She is the first Independent woman [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of parliament]] from [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Yasmeen|first=Afshan|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/two-women-from-state-heading-to-lok-sabha-this-time/article27243939.ece|title=Two women from State heading to Lok Sabha this time|date=2019-05-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-07|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
* Devar's Best New Face Award: ''Thisai Maariya Paravaigal'' (1979) (Tamil)
* Devar's Best New Face Award: ''Thisai Maariya Paravaigal'' (1979) (Tamil)
* Special Jury Nandi award (Best Actress): ''[[Shrutilayalu]]'' (1987) (Telugu)
* Special Jury Nandi award (Best Actress): ''[[Sruthilayalu]]'' (1987) (Telugu)
* Film Fans Award for Best Actress: ''Shrutilayalu'' (1987) (Telugu)
* Film Fans Award for Best Actress: ''Sruthilayalu'' (1987) (Telugu)
* Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]'' and ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'' (1987) (Malayalam)
* Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]'' and ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'' (1987) (Malayalam)
* Lux Award for Best Actress: ''New Delhi'' (1987) (Malayalam)
* Lux Award for Best Actress: ''New Delhi'' (1987) (Malayalam)
* Film Fans Award for Best Actress: ''New Delhi'' (1987) (Hindi)
* Film Fans Award for Best Actress: ''New Delhi'' (1987) (Hindi)
* Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'' (1988) (Malayalam)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sumalatha.tripod.com/biodata.html|title=Biodata}}</ref>
* Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'' (1988) (Malayalam)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sumalatha.tripod.com/biodata.html|title=Biodata|website=sumalatha.tripod.com}}</ref>
* Honorary doctorate by the United Technological Research University of America in Hyderabad (2024).<ref name="ఘనంగా డాక్టరేట్స్ ప్రదానం.. మీడియా పార్టనర్ గా ‘రాష్ట్ర’">{{cite news |last1=Raashtra |date=20 January 2024 |title=ఘనంగా డాక్టరేట్స్ ప్రదానం.. మీడియా పార్టనర్ గా 'రాష్ట్ర' |url=https://raashtra.com/nmkoi-honorary-doctorate-awards-2024/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121120541/https://raashtra.com/nmkoi-honorary-doctorate-awards-2024/ |archivedate=21 January 2024 |accessdate=21 January 2024}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
===Malayalam===
{{Div col}}
* ''[[Naayika]]'' (2011) as Herself (Archive footage/Uncredited cameo)
* ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'' (2010) as Sumangaly
* ''[[Purappadu (1990 film)|Purappadu]]'' (1990) as Nalini
* ''[[Parampara (1990 film)|Parampara]]'' (1990) as Meera
* ''[[Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu]]'' (1990) as Lakshmi Haridas
* ''[[No.20 Madras Mail]]'' (1990) as Sr. Gloria
* ''[[Thazhvaram]]'' (1990)  as Kochootti
* ''[[Nair Saab]]'' (1989)  as Prabha
* ''[[Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas]]'' (1988) as Sophia
* ''[[Dhinarathrangal]]'' (1988) as Dr. Savithri
* ''[[David David Mr. David]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'' (1988) as Isabella
* ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]'' (1987) as Maria Fernandez
* ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'' (1987) as Clara
* ''[[Shyama (film)|Shyama]]'' (1986) as Lakshmi
* ''[[Nirakkoottu]]'' (1985) as Mercy
* ''[[Idavelakku Shesham]]'' (1984) as Sindhu
* ''[[Alakadalinakkare]]'' (1984) as Mohan's wife
* ''[[Himam]]'' (1983) as Indu
* ''[[Chakravalam Chuvannappol]]'' (1983) as Latha
* ''[[Kodunkattu]]'' (1983) as Sreekala
* ''[[Kilukilukkam]]'' (1982)
* ''[[John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982 film)|John Jaffer Janardhanan]]'' (1982) as Jeny
* ''[[Thadaakam]]'' (1982) as Sabira
* ''[[Kazhumaram]]'' (1982) as Radhika
* ''[[Aarambham]]'' (1982) as Santha
* ''[[Dheera]]'' (1982) as Rathi
* ''[[Irattimadhuram]]'' (1982) as Sangeetha
* ''[[Aranjaanam]]'' (1982) as Anu
* ''[[Aadharsam|Aadarsham]]'' (1982) as Radha
* ''[[Thenum Vayambum]]'' (1981) as Sreedevi
* ''Ithihasam'' (1981) as Shobha
* ''[[Munnettam]]'' (1981) as Ramani
* ''[[Kolilakkam]]'' (1981) as Suma
* ''[[Raktham]]'' (1981) as Valsala
* ''[[Kadathu]]'' (1981) as ThulasiKilungaatha Changalakal
* ''[[Saahasam (1981 film)|Saahasam]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Ellam Ninakku Vendi]]'' (1981) as Sreedevi
* ''[[Kilungaatha Changalakal]]'' (1981) as Latha
* ''[[Nizhal Yudham]]'' (1981) as Radha
* ''[[Moorkhan (film)|Moorkhan]]'' (1980) as Raji
* ''Vilangum Veenayum''
{{Div col end}}


===Telugu===
===Telugu===
Line 114: Line 74:
* ''[[Girija Kalyanam]]'' (1981) as Rosy
* ''[[Girija Kalyanam]]'' (1981) as Rosy
* ''[[Agni Poolu (film)|Agni Poolu]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Agni Poolu (film)|Agni Poolu]]'' (1981)
* Jeevitha Ratham (1981)  
* ''Jeevitha Ratham'' (1981) as Sandhya
* ''[[Pelleedu Pillalu]]'' (1982) as Poorna
* ''[[Pelleedu Pillalu]]'' (1982) as Poorna
* ''[[Subhalekha]]'' (1982) as Sujata
* ''[[Subhalekha]]'' (1982) as Sujata
* Hima Bindu (1982)
* Hima Bindu (1982)
* Savaal (1982)
* Savaal (1982)
* ''[[Aalaya Sikharam]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Aalaya Sikharam]]'' (1983) as Radha
* ''[[Khaidi]]'' (1983) as Dr. Sujata
* ''[[Khaidi (1983 film)|Khaidi]]'' (1983) as Dr. Sujata
*  Raghu Ramudu (1983)
*  Raghu Ramudu (1983)
* Rangula Puli (1983)
* Rangula Puli (1983)
* ''Bharya Bhartala Saval'' (1983)
*  ''Bahudoorapu Batasari'' (1983)
* ''[[Amarajeevi (1983 film)|Amarajeevi (1983)]]''
* ''[[Amarajeevi (1983 film)|Amarajeevi (1983)]]''
* ''[[Merupu Daadi]]'' (1984) as Sivangi  
* ''[[Merupu Daadi]]'' (1984) as Sivangi  
Line 128: Line 90:
* ''[[Janani Janmabhoomi]]'' (1984) as Pammy/Padmini
* ''[[Janani Janmabhoomi]]'' (1984) as Pammy/Padmini
* ''[[Agni Gundam]]'' (1984)
* ''[[Agni Gundam]]'' (1984)
* Kai Raja Kai (1984)
* Kai Raja Kai (1984)
* ''[[Nayakulaku Saval]]'' (1984)
* ''Jagan'' (1984)
*''Bhola Shankarudu'' (1984)
*''Pulijoodam'' (1984)
*''Uddhandudu'' (1984)
* ''[[Nayakulaku Saval]]'' (1984) as  Lalitha
* ''[[Pralaya Simham]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=PRALAYA SIMHAM (1984) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b75b34688 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114025321/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b75b34688 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2019 |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=BFI |language=en}}</ref> (1984) as Aruna
* ''[[Jackie (1985 film)|Jackie]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Jackie (1985 film)|Jackie]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Chattamtho Poratam]]'' (1985) as Kalyani
* ''[[Chattamtho Poratam]]'' (1985) as Kalyani
* ''[[Kattula Kondaiah]]'' (1985) as Jyothi
* ''[[Kattula Kondayya]]'' (1985) as Jyothi
* ''[[Ranarangam (1985 film)|Ranarangam]]'' (1985)  
* ''[[Ranarangam (1985 film)|Ranarangam]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Veta (film)|Veta]]'' (1986)  as Jyothirmayi
* ''[[Intiko Rudramma]]''<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=M7CS6DeiqF8 |title=Intiko Rudramma Full Movie {{!}} Bhanuchander,Sumalatha,Ranganath,Sharada,Sujatha,Giribabu {{!}} ETV Cinema |date=2024-09-09 |last=ETV Cinema |access-date=2024-09-13 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/intiko-rudramma-am413699/cast-crew |title=Intiko Rudramma (1985) - S.A. Chandrashekhar {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie |language=en |access-date=2024-09-13 |via=www.allmovie.com}}</ref> (1985) as Ganga
* ''Mugguru Mitrulu'' (1985)
* ''Srimathi Garu'' (1985)
*''Illalu Vardhillu'' (1985)
* ''[[Veta (1986 film)|Veta]]'' (1986)  as Jyothirmayi
* ''[[Tandra Paparayudu (film)|Tandra Paparayudu]]'' (1986) as Subhadra
* ''[[Tandra Paparayudu (film)|Tandra Paparayudu]]'' (1986) as Subhadra
* ''[[Rakshasudu]]'' (1986) as Vani
* ''[[Rakshasudu (1986 film)|Rakshasudu]]'' (1986) as Vani
* Jeevana Ragam (1986)
* Jeevana Ragam (1986)
* Iddaru Mithrulu (1986)
* Iddaru Mithrulu (1986)
* Jailu Pakshi (1986)
* Jailu Pakshi (1986)
* Nampalli Nagu (1986)  
* Nampalli Nagu (1986)  
*''Ashtalakshmi Vaibhavam'' (1986)
* ''[[Thandri Kodukula Challenge]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Thandri Kodukula Challenge]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Sruthi Layalu]]'' (1987) as Sita
* ''[[Sruthi Layalu]]'' (1987) as Sita
Line 151: Line 123:
* ''[[Antima Teerpu (1988 film)|Antima Teerpu]]'' (1988) as Vasanta
* ''[[Antima Teerpu (1988 film)|Antima Teerpu]]'' (1988) as Vasanta
*  Donga Pelli (1988)
*  Donga Pelli (1988)
* ''[[Jamadagni (film)| Jamadagni]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Jamadagni (film)|Jamadagni]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (1989 film)|Jayammu Nischayammu Raa]]'' as Shanti
* ''[[Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (1989 film)|Jayammu Nischayammu Raa]]'' as Shanti
* * ''[[Guru Sishyulu]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Guru Sishyulu (1990 film)|Guru Sishyulu]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Gang Leader]]'' (1991) as Latha
* ''[[Gang Leader]]'' (1991) as Latha
* ''[[Dabbu Bhale Jabbu]]'' (1992) as Hema
* ''[[Dabbu Bhale Jabbu]]'' (1992) as Hema
* ''[[Raja Kumarudu]]'' (1999) as Rajya Lakshmi
* ''[[Raja Kumarudu]]'' (1999) as Rajya Lakshmi
* ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]'' (2001) as Sumalatha Devi
*''[[Okkadu Chalu]]'' (2000) as Lakshmi
*''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Boss (2006 film)|Boss]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Boss (2006 film)|Boss]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Srirastu Subhamastu]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Srirastu Subhamastu]]'' (2016)
{{Div col end}}
=== Malayalam ===
{{Div col}}
* ''[[Naayika]]'' (2011) as herself (Archive footage/Uncredited cameo)
* ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'' (2010) as Sumangaly
* ''[[Purappadu (1990 film)|Purappadu]]'' (1990) as Nalini
* ''[[Parampara (1990 film)|Parampara]]'' (1990) as Meera
* ''[[Ee Thanutha Veluppan Kalathu]]'' (1990) as Lakshmi Haridas
* ''[[No.20 Madras Mail]]'' (1990) as Sr. Gloria
* ''[[Thazhvaram]]'' (1990)  as Kochootti
* ''[[Nair Saab]]'' (1989)  as Prabha
* ''[[Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas]]'' (1988) as Sophia
* ''[[Dhinarathrangal]]'' (1988) as Dr. Savithri
* ''[[David David Mr. David]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Isabella (1988 film)|Isabella]]'' (1988) as Isabella
* ''[[New Delhi (1987 film)|New Delhi]]'' (1987) as Maria Fernandez
* ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'' (1987) as Clara
* ''[[Shyama (film)|Shyama]]'' (1986) as Lakshmi
* ''[[Nirakkoottu]]'' (1985) as Mercy
* ''[[Idavelakku Shesham]]'' (1984) as Sindhu
* ''[[Alakadalinakkare]]'' (1984) as Mohan's wife
* ''[[Himam]]'' (1983) as Indu
* ''[[Chakravalam Chuvannappol]]'' (1983) as Latha
* ''[[Kodunkattu]]'' (1983) as Sreekala
* ''[[Kilukilukkam]]'' (1982)
* ''[[John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982 film)|John Jaffer Janardhanan]]'' (1982) as Jeny
* ''[[Thadaakam]]'' (1982) as Sabira
* ''[[Kazhumaram]]'' (1982) as Radhika
* ''[[Aarambham]]'' (1982) as Santha
* ''[[Dheera]]'' (1982) as Rathi
* ''[[Irattimadhuram]]'' (1982) as Sangeetha
* ''[[Aranjaanam]]'' (1982) as Anu
* ''[[Aadharsam|Aadarsham]]'' (1982) as Radha
* ''[[Thenum Vayambum]]'' (1981) as Sreedevi
* ''Ithihasam'' (1981) as Shobha
* ''[[Munnettam]]'' (1981) as Ramani
* ''[[Kolilakkam]]'' (1981) as Suma
* ''[[Raktham]]'' (1981) as Valsala
* ''[[Kadathu]]'' (1981) as ThulasiKilungaatha Changalakal
* ''[[Saahasam (1981 film)|Saahasam]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Ellam Ninakku Vendi]]'' (1981) as Sreedevi
* ''[[Kilungaatha Changalakal]]'' (1981) as Latha
* ''[[Nizhal Yudham]]'' (1981) as Radha
* ''[[Moorkhan (film)|Moorkhan]]'' (1980) as Raji
* ''Vilangum Veenayum''
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


===Kannada===
===Kannada===
{{Div col}}
{{Div col}}
* ''[[Ravichandra]]'' (1980)
* ''[[Ravichandra]]'' (1980)...Sheela
* ''[[Thayiya Kanasu]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Thayiya Kanasu]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Aahuti (1985 film)|Aahuti]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Thayiya Hone]]'' (1985) as Suma
* ''[[Thayiya Hone]]'' (1985)...Suma
* ''[[Thayi Mamathe]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Thayi Mamathe]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Karna (1986 film)|Karna]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Karna (1986 film)|Karna]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Kathanayaka]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Kathanayaka]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Sathya Jyothi]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Sathya Jyothi]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Maheshwara (film)|Maheshwara]]'' (1986)
* ''[[Huli Hebbuli]]'' (1987)...Dr. Priya
* ''[[Huli Hebbuli]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Thayigobba Karna]]'' (1988)
* ''[[New Delhi (1988 Kannada film)|New Delhi]]'' (1988) as Vasantha
* ''[[New Delhi (1988 Kannada film)|New Delhi]]'' (1988)...Vasantha
* ''[[Hongkongnalli Agent Amar]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Hongkongnalli Agent Amar]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Nyayakkagi Naanu]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Nyayakkagi Naanu]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Raja Yuvaraja]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Maheshwara (film)|Maheshwara]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Kaliyuga Bheema]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Kaliyuga Bheema]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]'' (2001) as Sumalatha Devi
* ''[[Sri Manjunatha (film)|Sri Manjunatha]]'' (2001)...Sumalatha Devi
* ''Paris Pranaya'' (2003)
* ''[[Paris Pranaya]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Excuse Me (2003 film)|Excuse Me]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Excuse Me (2003 film)|Excuse Me]]'' (2003)...Parvati
* ''[[Kanchana Ganga (2004 film)|Kanchana Ganga]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Kanchana Ganga (2004 film)|Kanchana Ganga]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Kallarali Hoovagi]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Bhoopathi (2007 film)|Bhoopathi]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Bhoopathi (2007 film)|Bhoopathi]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Ee Sambhashane]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Ee Sambhashane]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Viraat]]'' (2016) as Viraat's mother
* ''[[Varadhanayaka]]'' (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/varadanayaka-khakhi-power/articleshow/21240339.cms|title=Varadanayaka: Khakhi Power|website=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref>
* ''[[Viraat (film)|Viraat]]'' (2016)...Viraat's mother
* ''[[Bhale Jodi (2016 film)|Bhale Jodi]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Bhale Jodi (2016 film)|Bhale Jodi]]'' (2016)
* ''[[Jessie (film)|Jessie]]'' (2016) as Jessie's mother
* ''[[Jessie (film)|Jessie]]'' (2016)...Jessie's mother
* ''[[Doddmane Hudga]]'' (2016) as Doddamane Rajeevo's wife
* ''[[Doddmane Hudga]]'' (2016)...Doddamane Rajeeva's wife
* ''[[Thayige Thakka Maga (2018 film)|Thayige Thakka Maga]]'' (2018) as Parvathi
* ''[[Thayige Thakka Maga (2018 film)|Thayige Thakka Maga]]'' (2018)...Parvathi
* ''[[D/O Parvathamma]]'' (2019) as Parvathamma
* ''[[D/O Parvathamma]]'' (2019)...Parvathamma
* ''[[India vs England]]'' (2020) as Janaki
* ''[[India vs England]]'' (2020)...Janaki
* ''[[Hope (2022 film)|Hope]]'' (2022)...Sulakshana Amarnath
* ''[[Kranti (2023 film)|Kranti]] '' (2023)...[[Chief Minister]]
{{Div col end}}
{{Div col end}}


Line 207: Line 231:
* ''[[Sollathe Yarum Kettaal]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Sollathe Yarum Kettaal]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Kudumbam Oru Kadambam]]'' (1981) as Uma
* ''[[Kudumbam Oru Kadambam]]'' (1981) as Uma
* ''[[Theerpu]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Theerpu]]'' (1982) as Kalpana
* ''[[Azhagiya Kanne]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Azhagiya Kanne]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Oru Varisu Uruvagiradhu]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Oru Varisu Uruvagiradhu]]'' (1982)
Line 219: Line 243:
* ''[[Swarg Yahan Narak Yahan]]'' (1991) as Suman V. Kumar
* ''[[Swarg Yahan Narak Yahan]]'' (1991) as Suman V. Kumar
* ''[[Aaj Ka Goonda Raj]]'' (1992) as Ritu Saxena
* ''[[Aaj Ka Goonda Raj]]'' (1992) as Ritu Saxena
* ''Paradesi'' (1993)
* ''[[Pardesi (1993 film)|Pardesi]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Dushman Duniya Ka]]'' (1996) as Reshma
* ''[[Dushman Duniya Ka]]'' (1996) as Reshma
* ''[[Mahaanta]]'' (1997) as Shanti Malhotra
* ''[[Mahaanta]]'' (1997) as Shanti Malhotra
Line 230: Line 254:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commonscategory}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{iMDb name|id=0838517}}
* {{iMDb name|id=0838517}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Actress}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
Line 245: Line 270:
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:17th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:India MPs 2019–2024]]
[[Category:Women members of the Lok Sabha]]
[[Category:Women members of the Lok Sabha]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:People from Guntur district]]
[[Category:Independent politicians in India]]
[[Category:Independent politicians in India]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Karnataka]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women politicians]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]

Latest revision as of 00:50, 22 March 2026


Sumalatha
Sumalatha in 2019
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
In office
23 May 2019 – 4 June 2024
Preceded byL. R. Shivarame Gowda
Succeeded byH.D.Kumaraswamy
ConstituencyMandya
Personal details
Born (1963-08-27) 27 August 1963 (age 62)[1]
Madras, Madras State (present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu), India
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (2024–present)
Spouse(s)
​
(
m. 1991; died 2018)
ChildrenAbhishek Gowda
Occupation
  • Actress
  • politician

Sumalatha Ambareesh (born 27 August 1963) is an Indian actress and politician. She has acted in over 220 films across multiple languages, primarily in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, with a few appearances in Tamil and Hindi cinema. She received the Nandi Award for Best Actress for her role in Sruthilayalu (1987).

Sumalatha is the widow of Kannada actor-politician Ambareesh, with whom she has a son, Abhishek Ambareesh. In March 2019, she announced her candidacy for the Mandya Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka. Contesting as an independent, she won the election, defeating Nikhil Kumaraswamy by a margin of over 1.25 lakh votes.[2]

Sumalatha Received Honorary Doctorate from United Technological Research University of America

Career[edit | edit source]

Sumalatha during 60th Filmfare Awards South in 2013

Sumalatha did her schooling at St. Joseph's Convent School, Brodipet, Guntur.[3] She began acting at age 15, after winning an Andhra Pradesh beauty contest in 1979. After her pictures began circulating in the magazines, film producer D. Ramanaidu expressed interest in casting her in his film and offered her a signing amount of ₹1,001 in 1979.[4] However, she made her film debut in Tamil with Thisai Maariya Paravaigal (1979). She was named the Best New Face following the film.

She entered the Telugu film industry with Samajaniki Saval (1979). She made her Kannada debut with Ravichandra (1980) opposite Dr. Rajkumar her Malayalam debut with Moorkhan (1980). She was Rajinikanth's heroine along with Rati Agnihotri in films like Murattu Kaalai and Kazhugu. She was the heroine of legendary Malayalam actor Jayan's last film Kolilakkam (1981).

Sumalatha reportedly speaks six languages, and has acted in five appearing in many Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada films and a few in Tamil and Hindi. Her most memorable Malayalam films include Thazhvaram, Isabella, Nirakkoottu, Dhinarathrangal, Thoovanathumbikal, Parampara and New Delhi.[5] Her popular Kannada movies include Aahuti, Avatara Purusha, New Delhi, Taayi Kanasu, Karna, Hong Kongnalli Agent Amar, Taayiya Hone and Kallarali Hoovagii.

She received the best actress Nandi Award for her role in Shrutilayalu in 1987.

She is a close friend of actress Suhasini Maniratnam. The friendship between the two provided the material for a candid scene in the film, when director Kodandarami Reddy noticed Suhasini combing Sumalatha's long hair on a train journey to the film set. Reddy had asked his cameraman, Ashok Reddy, to film the two and added the scene to the movie's final cut.[6]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Sumalatha with husband Ambareesh

Sumalatha married Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh on 8 December 1991 and their son Abhishek Gowda was born in the year 1993.[citation needed] She starred alongside Ambareesh[citation needed] in movies like Aahuti, Avatara Purusha, Kallarali Hoovagi, New Delhi and Sri Manjunatha. Kallarali Hoovagi went on to win a National Film Award.

In an interview with TV9 Kannada, the couple revealed that they first met each other on the sets of the movie Aahuti. In the course of the interview, Sumalatha expressed that Ambareesh was extroverted and gregarious in nature where as she leaned more towards an introverted and conscientious personality on the sets. She shared memories of Ambareesh giving her friendly advice to mingle with other co-stars on set by involving herself in group activities; else it could lead to misunderstandings. She revealed that it was Ambareesh's bold, and carefree personality that made him memorable and attractive to her.[7][8]

On 24 November 2018 Ambareesh died due to a cardiac arrest.[9] Sumalatha shared an emotional letter addressed to late Ambareesh on 8 December 2018, their 27th wedding anniversary.[10][non-primary source needed] On 6 July 2020, it was reported that Sumalatha tested positive for COVID-19 and had placed herself in home quarantine.

Political life[edit | edit source]

In March 2019, Sumalatha announced that she would be contesting as an independent candidate in the 2019 Indian general election in Karnataka (Lok Sabha) from Mandya.[11] She was backed by big stars from the Kannada film industry like Darshan, Yash, Rockline Venkatesh, Doddanna.[12] Bharatiya Janata Party decided not to field a candidate in Mandya in efforts to support her. Some of the Congress Party workers supported her indirectly due to the history of traditional rivalry between JDS - Congress rivalry in Mandya which was a tricky situation for congress.[13] She won, defeating Nikhil with a margin of 128,876 votes.[14] She is the first Independent woman Member of parliament from Karnataka.[15]

Sumalatha joined BJP ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections on 5 April 2024 in the presence of Former Chief Ministers B S Yediyurappa & D V Sadananda Gowda, State President B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka, national General Secretary in-charge of elections in Karnataka Radha Mohan Das Agarwal.[16][17]

Awards[edit | edit source]

  • Devar's Best New Face Award: Thisai Maariya Paravaigal (1979) (Tamil)
  • Special Jury Nandi award (Best Actress): Sruthilayalu (1987) (Telugu)
  • Film Fans Award for Best Actress: Sruthilayalu (1987) (Telugu)
  • Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: New Delhi and Thoovanathumbikal (1987) (Malayalam)
  • Lux Award for Best Actress: New Delhi (1987) (Malayalam)
  • Film Fans Award for Best Actress: New Delhi (1987) (Hindi)
  • Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Actress: Isabella (1988) (Malayalam)[18]
  • Honorary doctorate by the United Technological Research University of America in Hyderabad (2024).[19]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Telugu[edit | edit source]

Malayalam[edit | edit source]

Kannada[edit | edit source]

Tamil[edit | edit source]

Hindi[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Parliament of India biodata". Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  2. ↑ "Sumalatha Ambareesh". news18.com. 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  3. ↑ "Sumalatha Ambareesh(Independent(IND)):Constituency- MANDYA(KARNATAKA) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". myneta.info.
  4. ↑ Shivakumar, S. (27 March 2015). "On the road of flowers". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  5. ↑ "Nostalgia". www.manoramaonline.com (in മലയാളം). 14 August 2013. Archived from the original on 16 August 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 1 August 2008. Retrieved 24 April 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. ↑ Rebel-Star ಅಂಬರೀಶ್Sumalatha ,PRAMAPALLAVI. 11 August 2009. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ "personal". sumalatha.tripod.com.
  9. ↑ Gejji, Anil (25 November 2018). "Ambareesh death: Kannada actor, former Union minister Ambareesh died in Bengaluru hospital". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  10. ↑ "Sumalatha Amarnath". Retrieved 7 March 2020 – via Facebook.
  11. ↑ "Sumalatha to contest Mandya LS polls as an independent". Deccan Herald. 18 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  12. ↑ "It's official. Sumalatha to contest as Independent from Mandya". The Hindu. 18 March 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  13. ↑ "Actor Ambareesh's Wife Sumalatha Gets BJP Backing In Karnataka's Mandya". NDTV.com. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  14. ↑ "Karnataka Lok Sabha Election Results: Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil loses in Mandya". The Times of India. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  15. ↑ Yasmeen, Afshan (25 May 2019). "Two women from State heading to Lok Sabha this time". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
  16. ↑ NDTV (5 April 2024). "Karnataka Independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh Joins BJP Ahead Of Polls". Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  17. ↑ The Hindu (5 April 2024). "Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh joins BJP in Karnataka". Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  18. ↑ "Biodata". sumalatha.tripod.com.
  19. ↑ Raashtra (20 January 2024). "ఘనంగా డాక్టరేట్స్ ప్రదానం.. మీడియా పార్టనర్ గా 'రాష్ట్ర'". Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  20. ↑ "PRALAYA SIMHAM (1984)". BFI. Archived from the original on 14 January 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  21. ↑ ETV Cinema (9 September 2024). Intiko Rudramma Full Movie | Bhanuchander,Sumalatha,Ranganath,Sharada,Sujatha,Giribabu | ETV Cinema. Retrieved 13 September 2024 – via YouTube.
  22. ↑ Intiko Rudramma (1985) - S.A. Chandrashekhar | Cast and Crew | AllMovie. Retrieved 13 September 2024 – via www.allmovie.com.
  23. ↑ "Varadanayaka: Khakhi Power". Bangalore Mirror.

External links[edit | edit source]

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