Malashri (sometimes credited as Malashree) is an Indian actress in the Kannada film industry, known for the dramatic lead roles. She made her debut in the hit film Nanjundi Kalyana in 1989. Her portrayal of a haughty, shrewish woman in the movie won her many accolades heralding her as the top actress in Kannada Cinema. Her next few movies were all author backed with her playing the pivotal role. All these went on to become super hits. Movies like Gajapathi Garvabhanga, Policana Hendathi, Prathap, Kitturina Huli and Tavarumane Udugore made her a household name and Malashri went on to become the highest paid Kannada actress ever.

 

Malashri excelled in homely as well as tomboyish roles. She was the only Kannada heroine who could pull in the women audiences in tear jerkers (Gruha Pravesa, Mangalya, Sindoora Tilaka, Belli Kalungura, Mana Mechida Sose) and with the same ease act in comedies like Readymade Ganda, Kanasina Rani, Malashri Mamashri and Halli Rambhe Belli Bombe. She also gained immense popularity through action flicks like SP Bhargavi, Rowdy Mattu MLA, Kollura Kaala, Marana Mrudanga (in which she acted opposite the late CM of Karnataka Ramakrishna Hegde).