Jayanthi (actress)

Jayanthi (born Kamala Kumari; 6 January 1945 – 26 July 2021) was an Indian actress who worked primarily in Kannada cinema, alongside Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi films. She was considered one of Kannada cinema's leading ladies during its "golden age."

Jayanthi was known for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from glamorous urban women to rural villagers and strong, independent heroines. She won numerous awards throughout her career, including seven Karnataka State Film Awards for Best Actress, two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress – Kannada, and the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award.

Some of her notable films include Edakallu Guddada Mele, Nyayave Devaru, Bangarada Hoovu, Rowdy Ranganna, and Miss Leelavathi. She acted in over 500 films.