She received seven Karnataka State Film Awards, including four for Best Actress and two for Best Supporting Actress. National Honors:

Though Jayanthi lived a life of glamour on screen, her early years were marked by struggle. Initially ridiculed for being "plump" and not a strong dancer, she dedicated herself to her craft, eventually training in classical dance alongside her lifelong friend, the Tamil actress .

Film archivists often highlight her black-and-white portraits, noting that her expressive eyes could convey a script's worth of emotion without a single line of dialogue.

Staying with her son, Krishna Kumar (KK), she enjoyed the quietude of nature, proving that her lifestyle was focused on simplicity and peace rather than the constant spotlight.

Though Jayanthi passed away in July 2021, her presence in the hearts of cinema lovers remains untouched. The continuous online searches for her photos and history prove that true stardom is eternal. She helped build the foundation of the Sandalwood industry, ensuring that future generations of actresses could step into diverse, powerful roles.

In the 1965 cult classic Miss Leelavathi , she portrayed a bold modern woman, becoming the first Kannada actress to wear a swimsuit on screen.