Jayamala, a prominent Indian actress and politician, has made significant contributions to both the entertainment industry and public service. Born into a Tulu-speaking Billava family in Mangalore, she hails from a humble background, with her father, G. Omaiah, working as an agriculturist and her mother, Kamalamma, as a homemaker. Jayamala has six sisters and a brother. In 1963, the family relocated to Chikmagalur after being displaced due to harbor work in Panambur.

In her illustrious career, Jayamala has starred in numerous popular Kannada films, including "Premada Kanike," "Shankar Guru," "Antha," and "Chandi Chamundi," among others. Her versatile acting skills and captivating performances have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Apart from her acting endeavors, Jayamala has ventured into politics. She served as the Minister for Women and Child Development and Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens in the Government of Karnataka, representing the Karnataka Legislative Council. Her tenure in this role demonstrated her commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities.

Additionally, Jayamala has held influential positions within the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, serving as its female president from 2008 to 2010. Her leadership and contributions to the film industry have played a pivotal role in shaping its landscape.

On the personal front, Jayamala was first married to Kannada film actor Tiger Prabhakar, with whom she shares a daughter named Soundarya, who has carved her own niche as an actress. After her divorce, Jayamala tied the knot with cinematographer H. M. Ramachandra.

In addition to her accomplishments in cinema and politics, Jayamala's dedication to social causes and her commitment to serving the community have earned her widespread respect and admiration. Her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and public service stands as a testament to her resilience, talent, and leadership.

Film Career 

Jayamala, a luminary in Kannada cinema, emerged as the epitome of glamour during the early 1980s. Her career burgeoned alongside the industry's stalwarts, including the legendary Rajkumar, with whom she shared several successful ventures. Transitioning seamlessly across genres and opposite various top heroes of Sandalwood, Jayamala's on-screen charisma captivated audiences.

With Anant Nag, she graced romantic dramas like "Janma Janmada Anubandha" and "Premave Baalina Belaku," while her collaboration with Vishnuvardhan birthed multi-starrer hits such as "Hanthakana Sanchu," "Naga Kala Bhairava," and "Sididedda Sahodara." Her pairing with Ambareesh in cult classics like "Antha" showcased her versatility, portraying roles ranging from tragic cabaret dancers to romantic leads in movies like "Ajith," "Prema Matsara," and "Khadeema Kallaru."

Jayamala's synergy with Shankar Nag in films like the heroine-centric "Chandi Chamundi" solidified her status as an action heroine, resonating deeply with audiences and etching her name in Sandalwood history. Her marriage to Prabhakar, whom she starred alongside in "Chandi Chamundi," marked a significant shift in her career as she chose to retire from acting post-1985.

Noteworthy is Jayamala's collaboration with Aarathi, where her glamour complemented Aarathi's simple-girl appeal in nine successful films. Beyond her acting prowess, Jayamala ventured into film production, culminating in the National Award-winning "Thaayi Saheba," directed by Girish Kasaravalli. Her portrayal in the film earned her a special jury award, underscoring her versatility and depth as an artist.

In a historic feat, Jayamala became the sole actress in the Indian film industry to be conferred a doctorate for her thesis on the rehabilitation of rural women in Karnataka. Her rigorous research, encompassing extensive fieldwork and document scrutiny, culminated in this prestigious accolade, bestowed upon her by Bangalore University on January 18, 2008, in a ceremony graced by former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam.

Jayamala's indelible contributions to Kannada cinema, both on and off-screen, underscore her legacy as an icon of glamour, talent, and social consciousness, cementing her status as a revered figure in Sandalwood.