Soon after veteran Sandalwood actor and former central minister Ambareesh passed away at a Bengaluru hospital on Saturday night, condolences poured in from leaders across political lines. In a statement released to the media, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy condoled Ambareesh's death and stated that his demise was an end of an era of love and affection in the Kannada Film Industry.
"Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely death of my beloved dear friend Ambareesh. In his death, an era of love and affection in the Kannada Film Industry has ended. With Ambareesh, I enjoyed a friendship that went beyond political affiliations and films. He was a rebel who was loved by all. He has carved a unique place in both politics and films. Ambareesh leaves back a legacy that will be cherished by his family, friends, fans and followers. May his soul rest in peace," Kumaraswamy's statement adds.
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Dr G Parameshwara said Ambareesh would truly be missed for his "energy, charm and wit". "Truly shocking to hear about the demise of party colleague, former minister & senior actor Rebel Star Ambareesh. His energy, charm and wit were infectious. The love & popularity he enjoyed among the people was admirable. Kannada cinema and Karnataka have become very poor today," Parameshwara tweeted.
Truly shocking to hear about the demise of party colleague, former minister & senior actor Rebel Star #Ambareesh. His energy, charm and wit were infectious. The love & popularity he enjoyed among the people was admirable. Kannada cinema and Karnataka have become very poor today. pic.twitter.com/74iipIVoHM
— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) November 24, 2018
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Ambareesh's death had pained him immensely. "He was not just a great actor, not just a proven politician but a great human being. Ambareesh, you will be missed. I am deeply pained by his death. My condolences to all his family members, friends and well wishers," Siddaramaiah said in a tweet.
He was not just a great actor, not just a proven politician but also great human being. Ambareesh, u ll be missed.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 24, 2018
I am deeply pained by his death. My condolences to all his family members, friends & well-wishers. pic.twitter.com/UitCU7MHss
Congress leader from Mandya and the party's Social Media Communications chief Divya Spandana too expressed her sadness, remembering him as "Ambareesh uncle".
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Ambareesh uncle. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family. Will always remember him fondly.
— Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) November 24, 2018
The Congress party too condoled Ambareesh's death, stating that his demise was an unbearable loss for Karnataka.
"A straightforward and eloquent actor, former minister Ambareesh's death is deeply saddening. His demise will be a great loss for Karnataka. May god give his soul peace. Our condolences go out to his family and friends," the party's official twitter handle said in a tweet.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಕಣ್ಮಣಿ, ನೇರ ನಡೆಯ, ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟ ನುಡಿಯ ದಿಟ್ಟ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವದ ಚಿತ್ರ ನಟ, ಮಾಜಿ ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಡಾ.ಅಂಬರೀಶ್ ಅವರ ಅಕಾಲಿಕ ನಿಧನ ಆಘಾತಕಾರಿ ಸುದ್ದಿ!
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) November 24, 2018
ಅವರ ನಿಧನದಿಂದ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ಭರಿಸಲಾರದ ನಷ್ಟ.
ದೇವರು ಅವರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ನೀಡಲಿ, ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬದವರಿಗೆ, ಬಂಧು ಮಿತ್ರರಿಗೆ, ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳಿಗೆ ದುಃಖವನ್ನು ಭರಿಸುವ ಶಕ್ತಿ ನೀಡಲಿ. pic.twitter.com/pHO9dZnVIf
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Dinesh Gundu Rao said he was shocked by Amabareesh's death. "Shocked to hear the news of our beloved politician Ambareesh's demise... My hearfelt condolences to his family," Gundu Rao tweeted.
Shocked to hear the news of our beloved politician and rebel star #Ambarish’s demise. One of Karnataka’s iconic film stars and much loved personality.
— Dinesh Gundu Rao (@dineshgrao) November 24, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.
"Karnataka is poorer for losing actor and politician Ambareesh. I am deeply saddened by his demise. He was a good friend. May god bless his soul," BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa tweeted.
ಹಿರಿಯ ನಟ, ರಾಜಕಾರಣಿ ಅಂಬರೀಶ್ ಅವರನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಬಡವಾಗಿದೆ. ಒಬ್ಬ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರಾಗಿದ್ದ ಅವರ ಅಗಲಿಕೆ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕವಾಗಿ ತುಂಬಾ ನೋವನ್ನುಂಟು ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ದೇವರು ಅವರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಕರುಣಿಸಲಿ. pic.twitter.com/mZyCnAtkyM
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) November 24, 2018
Chikkamagaluru MLA and BJP leader CT Ravi too expressed shock over Ambareesh's death. MLA Ravi also said that the actor's death was a "personal loss. "Oh My God! I just can't believe Our Beloved Ambarish Anna is no more. An Era has just ended. A personal loss to me and a great loss to every Kannadiga. I am unable to come to terms with His sudden departure. I pray for Shanti to His Soul. Ambarish Anna we will miss You," CT Ravi tweeted.
Oh My God! I just can't believe Our Beloved Ambarish Anna is no more. An Era has just ended.
— C.T.Ravi (@CTRavi_BJP) November 24, 2018
A personal loss to me and a great loss to every Kannadiga. I am unable to come to terms with His sudden departure.
I pray for Shanti to His Soul. Ambarish Anna we will miss You. pic.twitter.com/gso8WghWFO
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje said that Ambareesh's death was the end of an era in Kannada films and politics.
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing away of Sri Ambareesh.
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) November 24, 2018
End of an era of Kannada Film industry!!
My condolences to his family.#OmShanthi pic.twitter.com/1LjsuLMZZG