Actor and politician Jayamala was elected President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for the second time on January 31, 2026. She had earlier served in the same position from June 2008 to May 2010, and was the first woman to hold this office in the history of KFCC at that time.
In an industry quick to celebrate novelty and swift to forget its veterans, Jayamala’s 53-year presence stands as a testament to continuity, in an arc that mirrors the transformation of Kannada cinema itself.
Unfolding plans
Jayamala shared her plans for Kannada cinema at a time when the 93-year-old film industry is struggling with a success rate of 3%. “Kannada cinema will soon turn 100, and is facing issues with economic and technical changes,” Jayamala begins. “As in the past, the government of Karnataka has to rescue it by releasing the subsidy amount, which has not been distributed since 2021.”
“Hopefully, in the days to come the government will initiate action to release the subsidy amount of a particular year,” Jayamala adds.
