Veteran Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh has passed away, as per the latest reports from Bangalore. The actor was reportedly admitted to a hospital due to respiratory problem, and shortly after that, he breathed his last. He was 66 years old.

Having started his career in 1972 with a hugely popular film, Naagarahaavu, he went on to act in more than 200 films in his career. Later, in 1994, he forayed into politics and contested on behalf of Congress party and played an active role in the state government for several years. He was particularly respected in Karnataka for his strong stand on the Cauvery water dispute issue.

In 1991, the actor got married to popular actress Sumalatha, and their son, Abhishek is going to make his acting debut next year. The couple have been close friends with Mohan Babu, Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, and their respective families for several years now. His demise is truly a major loss for the entire South Indian film fraternity, and a huge blow to lakhs of his admirers in Karnataka.