Sumalatha

Biography

Sumalatha Ambareesh is a renowned Indian actress and politician who made a lasting impact in South Indian cinema before successfully transitioning into public service. Known for her elegance, versatility, and strong screen presence, she remains one of the most respected personalities in both the film and political worlds.

Early Life

Sumalatha was born on 27 August 1963 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. From a young age, she showed interest in the arts and performance. Her early exposure to cultural activities and beauty contests helped shape her confidence and public image, eventually opening the doors to the film industry.

Film Career

Sumalatha made her acting debut in Tamil cinema in 1979 and soon expanded her career into Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films. Over the years, she appeared in more than 200 films, establishing herself as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

She was especially admired for her performances in Malayalam and Telugu cinema, where her roles in films such as New Delhi, Thoovanathumbikal, Nirakkoottu, and Shrutilayalu received critical acclaim. Her acting was noted for its emotional depth, grace, and realism.

Sumalatha worked alongside many legendary actors, including Mammootty, Mohanlal, Rajinikanth, and Chiranjeevi. Her ability to adapt to different languages and film styles made her a true pan-Indian actress long before the term became popular.

For her powerful performance in Shrutilayalu, she received the Nandi Award for Best Actress, marking a major milestone in her career.

Personal Life

In 1991, Sumalatha marriedthe celebrated Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh. Their relationship was widely admired in the film industry. The couple had a son, Abhishek, who later entered the Kannada film industry as an actor.

After Ambareesh’s passing in 2018, Sumalatha continued to honor his legacy while carving her own path in public life.

Political Career

Sumalatha entered politics in 2019 and contested the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from the Mandya constituency in Karnataka. She won the election with strong public support, becoming a Member of Parliament and the first woman to represent Mandya.

As an MP, she focused on regional development, farmers’ welfare, infrastructure, and social issues, earning appreciation for her dedication and approachable leadership style.