in the Indian film industry to be conferred a doctorate for writing a thesis. Her thesis was on the rehabilitation of rural woman in Karnataka and required her to tour Karnataka and also scrutinise several documents. The Doctorate was conferred by the Bangalore University on 18 January 2008 and presented by former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Controversy She was at the center of a controversy when she claimed that she touched the Lord Ayyappa idol in Sabarimala during the shooting of Tamil movie titled 'Nambinar Keduvathillai'. Women from the age 10–50 are banned from entering Sabarimala temple. It created a furor in India and led to ideological warfare in Indian media and courts. It was Mr V Rajendran who is currently the Kerala state committee member of Bharatiya Janata Party who filed the petition against her in Ranni court. Jayamala has said she regretted her action, but clarified that she was pushed into the shrine by a crowd of devotees. Rajendran insisted that it is impossible to touch as the shrine is located far inside the Garbhagriha. The Supreme Priest of Sabarimala Kantararu Maheshwararu had dismissed the actress's statement as a figment of her imagination. Filmography Kannada films Tamil Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal (1976) Jamboo (1980) Bhama Rukmani (1980) Andru Muthal Indru Varai (1981) Kadavulin Theerpu (1981) Kalthoon (1981) Asthivaram (1982) Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum (1983) as Valli Thalaimagan (1983) Kuvaa Kuvaa Vaaththukkal (1984) Pozhuthu Vidinchachu (1984) Padikkadha Pannaiyar (1985) Nambinar Keduvathillai (1986) En Pondatti Nallava (1995) as Mayilu Malayalam: Credited as Jayanthi Devalokam (Unreleased) Makara Vilakku (1980) Oridathoru Phayalvaan (1981) as Chakkara Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam (1982) Kadamba (1983) Rishi (1992) Telugu Rakshasudu (1986) Bhale Ramudu (1966) References 20th-century scandals People from Dakshina Kannada district Tulu people Kannada people Indian film actresses Living people Actresses in Kannada cinema Actresses in Telugu cinema Actresses in Tamil cinema Actresses in Malayalam cinema Year of birth missing (living people) Filmfare Awards South winners Actresses from Karnataka 20th-century Indian actresses 21st-century Indian actresses Special Jury Award (feature film) National Film Award winners Producers who won the Best Feature Film National Film Award Producers who won the Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation National Film Award