Umashree (born 10 May 1957) is an Indian actress and politician. She appears in

Kannada cinema Kannada cinema, also known as Sandalwood, or Chandanavana, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Kannada language widely spoken in the state of Karnataka. Kannada cinema is based in Gandhi Nagar ...

, particularly in character roles and supporting roles. She received the

National Film Award for Best Actress The National Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role is an honour presented annually at the National Film Awards of India since 1968 to an actress for the best performance in a leading role within the Cinema of India, Indian film industry. ...

for her role as Gulabi in the 2008 Kannada film ''

Gulabi Talkies ''Gulabi Talkies'' is a 2008 Indian Kannada language drama film by acclaimed Indian director Girish Kasaravalli. The film stars Umashree in the title role, M. D. Pallavi and K. G. Krishna Murthy. It is based on a short story by the same name by Ka ...

''. In 2013, Umashree became a Member of the Legislative Assembly in

Karnataka Karnataka ( ) is a States and union territories of India, state in the southwestern region of India. It was Unification of Karnataka, formed as Mysore State on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, States Re ...

in the government of

Siddaramaiah Siddaramaiah (born 3 August 1947), also referred to by his nickname Siddu, is an Indian politician who is serving as the 22nd List of chief ministers of Karnataka, chief minister of Karnataka from 20 May 2023. He also held that position previo ...

where she was the minister for women and child development, empowerment of the differently abled and senior citizens,

Kannada language Kannada () is a Dravidian languages, Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka in southwestern India, and spoken by a minority of the population in all neighbouring states. It has 44 million native speakers, an ...

and culture.

Personal life

Umashree was born into the Devanga family. She has two children, a daughter named Gayathri, who is a dentist, and a son named Vijayakumar, an advocate, she raised them as a single mother.

Public office

Umashree participates in positive social activities such as supporting rural and disadvantaged women. She performs on stage in rural villages to highlight their needs. Her election in 2013 as the member for

Terdal Terdal is a Municipal town in Bagalkot district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Geography Teradala is located at . It has an average elevation of 536 metres (1758 feet). Terdal Shree Allam Prabhu Devaru Brahanmath is famous and h ...

constituency (Congress Party) allowed Umashree to continue her work. Umashree is Minister for Women and Child Development, Kannada and Culture.

Stage work

Umashree has experience in village, amateur, mythological and professional drama. Her directors have included Fritz Bennewitz, B.V. Karanth,

Girish Karnad Girish Karnad (19 May 1938 – 10 June 2019) was an Indian playwright, actor, film director, Kannada writer, and a Jnanpith awardee, who predominantly worked in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi films. His rise as a playwr ...

, C. G. Krishnaswamy, R. Nagesh, and T.S. Nagabharana. She is a member of Rangasampada amateur theatre group of

Bangalore Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore (List of renamed places in India#Karnataka, its official name until 1 November 2014), is the Capital city, capital and largest city of the southern States and union territories of India, Indian state of Kar ...

Film work

Umashree began her movie career in 1984 in a supporting role in ''Anubhava'' with Kashinath. But before that she was seen in a 1980 Kannada film ''Bangarada Jinke'' directed by T S Nagabharana. However, it typecast her in comedy roles with a degree of

innuendo An innuendo is a wikt:hint, hint, wikt:insinuation, insinuation or wikt:intimation, intimation about a person or thing, especially of a denigrating or derogatory nature. It can also be a remark or question, typically disparaging (also called in ...

. She worked with the actor N. S. Rao and later with Dinesh, Dwarakish, Mysore lokesh, Sihikahi chandru,Umesh, Ramesh bhat, Mukhyamantri Chandru, Doddanna and

Karibasavaiah Karibasavaiah (1959 – 3 February 2012) was an Indian actor who appeared in Kannada cinema and a theatre personality. He has acted in over 120 films. He died on 3 February 2012 after a road traffic accident in Bangalore. He made his debut in t ...

. Her directors included S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu, Bhargava, Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, Perala, K V Raju, Vijay, Dorai Bhagavan, Dwairakish, D Rajendra babu, Dinesh Babu, V Ravichandran, Puri Jagannath and Yograj Bhat.

Television work

* ''Nondavara Haadu'', a documentary about

leprosy Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a Chronic condition, long-term infection by the bacteria ''Mycobacterium leprae'' or ''Mycobacterium lepromatosis''. Infection can lead to damage of the Peripheral nervous system, nerves, respir ...

directed by T. S. Ranga for Doordarshan. * ''Hattye'', a telefilm directed by H. Girijamma for Doordarshan. * ''Musanje'', a serial directed by T. S. Nagabarana for Udaya TV. * ''Musanje Katha Prasanga'', a serial directed by Prakash Belawadi for ETv. * ''Kicchu'', a serial directed by Chaitanya for ETv. * ''Amma Ninagagi'' for ETv. * ''Arathigobba Kirthigobba'' for Star Suvarna. * ''Chinnara Chilipili'' for Udaya TV. * '' Puttakkana Makkalu'' for Zee Kannada

Partial filmography

Kannada films

* '' Bangarada Jinke'' (1980)...Asha's friend * '' Anubhava'' (1984) * '' Amrutha Ghalige'' (1984) * ''

Bidugadeya Bedi ''Bidugadeya Bedi'' ( ) is a 1985 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by Dorai–Bhagavan, based on the novel of the same name by T. R. Subba Rao. The film stars Anant Nag and Lakshmi. The film's score and songs were composed by Rajan ...

'' (1985) * '' Naanu Nanna Hendthi'' (1985) * ''

Swabhimana ''Swabhimana'' () is a 1985 Kannada-language romantic drama film directed by D. Rajendra Babu and written by K. S. Satyanarayan. The film stars V. Ravichandran and Mahalakshmi with Tiger Prabhakar and Aarathi in extended guest appearances. T ...

'' (1985) * '' Maneye Manthralaya'' (1986) * '' Bete'' (1986) * '' 27 Mavalli Circle'' (1986) * '' Asambhava'' (1986) * '' Ee Bandha Anubandha'' (1987) * '' Jayasimha'' (1987) * '' Olavina Udugore'' (1987) * '' Sowbhagya Lakshmi'' (1987) * '' Digvijaya'' (1987)...Shivi * '' Shanthi Nivasa'' (1987) * ''Onde Goodina Hakkigalu'' (1988) * '' Ramanna Shamanna'' (1988) * '' Krishna Rukmini'' (1988) * '' Balondu Bhavageethe'' (1988) * ''

Anjada Gandu ''Anjada Gandu'' ( ) is a 1988 Indian Kannada-language romantic comedy film produced by B N Gangadhar under the banner of ANS Productions and written and directed by Renuka Sharma. The film stars Ravichandran Khushbu Devaraj and ''Rasi'' ali ...

'' (1988) * ''Jana Nayaka'' (1988) * '' Ranadheera'' (1988) * ''Mathru Vathsalya'' (1988)...Shanti * '' Hrudaya Geethe'' (1989) * '' Hongkongnalli Agent Amar'' (1989) * '' Ondagi Balu'' (1989) * '' Onti Salaga'' (1989) * '' Poli Huduga'' (1989) * '' Doctor Krishna'' (1989) * '' Golmaal Radhakrishna'' (1990)...Janaki * ''

Mruthyunjaya ''Mruthyunjaya'' () is a 1990 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film, directed by Chi. Dattaraj while the story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics were written by Chi. Udaya Shankar.The film stars Shiva Rajkumar, Malashri and Shashikumar ...

'' (1990) * '' Nigooda Rahasya'' (1990) * '' Rani Maharani'' (1990) * '' Nammoora Hammera'' (1990) * ''Ashoka Chakra'' (1990)...Alamelu * '' Bangaradantha Maga'' (1991) * ''Golmaal Part 2'' (1991)...Janaki * '' Ranachandi'' (1991) * ''Gruhapravesha'' (1991) * '' Kollur Kala'' (1991) * '' Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare'' (1991) * '' Sriramachandra'' (1992) * '' Shivanaga'' (1992) * '' Mannina Doni'' (1992)...Meenakshi * '' Malashree Mamashree'' (1992) * '' Sangya Balya'' (1992) * '' Mysore Jaana'' (1992)...Ganga * '' Server Somanna'' (1993) * '' Prema Samaram'' (1993) Telugu film * '' Kollura Sri Mookambika'' (1993) * ''Bhagavan Sri Saibaba'' (1993)...Sakku * '' Kotreshi Kanasu'' (1994) * '' Jaana'' (1994) * '' Chinna'' (1994) * '' Karulina Koogu'' (1994) * '' Odahuttidavaru'' (1994)...Kamakshi * '' Putnanja'' (1995) * '' Himapatha'' (1995) * '' Thumbida Mane'' (1995) * ''

Jeevanadhi ''Jeevanadi'' is a 1996 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed by D. Rajendra Babu and produced by P. Dhanraj. The film stars Vishnuvardhan, Anant Nag and Kushboo. The film was widely popular for its title song composed by Koti upon re ...

'' (1996) * '' Sipayi'' (1996) * '' Ibbara Naduve Muddina Aata'' (1996) * '' Aadithya'' (1996) * '' Dhani '' (1996) * '' Muddina Kanmani'' (1997) * '' Thayavva'' (1997) * '' Mommaga'' (1997) * '' Cheluva'' (1997) * ''

Kalavida ''Kalavida'' () is a 1997 Kannada-language film produced, written, directed and enacted by V. Ravichandran. The rest of the cast includes Heera Rajagopal, Roja, Umashree, Raghuvaran amongst others. The music was composed by Hamsalekha and ...

'' (1997) * '' Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda'' (1997) * '' Preethsod Thappa'' (1998) * '' Viralukketha Veekkam'' (1999) * '' O Premave'' (1999) * '' Chora Chittha Chora'' (1999) * '' Shabdavedhi'' (2000) * '' Krishna Leele'' (2000) * '' Yaarige Saluthe Sambala'' (2000) * '' Nan Hendthi Chennagidale'' (2000) * '' Diggajaru'' (2001) * '' Kurigalu Saar Kurigalu'' (2001) as Rukmini * '' Ellara Mane Dosenu'' (2001) * ''

Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu ''Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu'' () is a 2001 Indian Kannada comedy film directed by Rajendra Singh Babu. The film stars Ramesh Aravind, S. Narayan, Mohan Shankar, Mohan, Prema (actress, born 1977), Prema, Tara (Kannada actress), Tara and Urvashi ( ...

'' (2001) as Muniyamma * '' Simhadriya Simha'' (2002) * '' Thuntata'' (2002) as "Lingo leela" * '' Chandu'' (2002) * '' Nanjundi'' (2003) * '' Abhi'' (2003) * '' Laali Haadu'' (2003) * '' Neenandre Ishta'' (2003) * '' Namma Preethiya Ramu'' (2003) * '' Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu'' (2003) as Jayamma * ''

Mani Mani may refer to: People * Mani (name), (), a given name and surname (including a list of people with the name) ** Mani (prophet) (c. 216–274), a 3rd century Iranian prophet who founded Manichaeism ** Mani (musician) (born 1962), an English ...

'' (2003) * ''Ajju'' (2004) * '' Ranga SSLC'' (2004) as Paaru * '' Malla'' (2004) * '' Monalisa'' (2004) * ''Veeru'' (2005) * '' Gopi'' (2006) * '' Chellata'' (2006) * '' Neelakanta'' (2006) * '' Suntaragaali'' (2006) * '' Parodi'' (2007) * '' Ekadantha'' (2007) as Sheela devi * ''

'' (2008) * ''

Mast Maja Maadi ''Mast Maja Maadi'' is a 2008 Indian Kannada cinema, Kannada comedy-romance film directed by R. Ananth Raju featuring Sudeep, Vijay Raghavendra, Diganth, Naga Kiran, Komal (actor), Komal and Jennifer Kotwal in the lead roles. The film features b ...

'' (2008) * '' Vasanthakala'' (2008) * '' Venkata in Sankata'' (2009) * '' Gilli'' (2009) * '' Krishnan Love Story'' (2010) * '' Kanasemba Kudureyaneri'' (2010) * '' Vaare Vah'' (2010) * '' Prema Chandrama'' (2011) * ''

Swayam Krushi ''Swayamkrushi'' () is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Chiranjeevi and Vijayashanti in main leads, with Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, and Sumalatha in other pivotal roles. The film c ...

'' (2011) * ''

Ujwadu ''Ujwaadu'' (Light) is a 2011 Konkani film directed by Kasargod Chinna and produced by KJ Dhananjaya and Anuradha Padiyar as the third film ever produced in the GSB Konkani language and attempts to showcase Konkani Saraswatha tradition and cul ...

'' (2011) * '' Rajadhani'' (2011) * '' Alemari'' (2012) * '' Bheema Theeradalli'' (2012) * '' Sangolli Rayanna'' (2012) * '' Kalpana'' (2012) * '' Rambo'' (2012) * ''

Super Shastri ''Super Shastri'' is a 2012 Indian Kannada-language action comedy film directed by Raviraj and produced by G. Ramachandran (producer), G. Ramachandran. It stars Prajwal Devraj and Haripriya in the lead roles. The film is a remake of the 2007 Te ...

'' (2012) * '' Kalavu'' (2013) * ''Paraari'' (2013) * '' Ambareesha'' (2014) * '' Love You Alia'' (2015) * '' Rathnan Prapancha'' (2021) as Saroja * '' Vedha'' (2022) as Shankri * '' Kaasina Sara'' (2023)

Tamil films

*'' Naan Sonnathey Sattam'' (1988)

Awards

2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...

- Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for the Film, ''

'' * 2008 -

for the Film, ''

'' ( 55th National Film Awards). * 2020-21 - South Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress for '' Rathnan Prapancha''

References

External links

* {{authority control 1957 births 20th-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian women politicians Actresses from Karnataka Actresses in Kannada cinema Best Actress National Film Award winners Filmfare Awards South winners Indian actor-politicians Indian film actresses Indian National Congress politicians from Karnataka Indian television actresses Indian voice actresses Indian women comedians Kannada people Living people People from Tumakuru district State cabinet ministers of Karnataka Women state cabinet ministers of India Karnataka MLAs 2013–2018 Women members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Members of the Karnataka Legislative Council