Veteran Malayalam actor Kanaklatha dies of prolonged illness at 63

Kanakalatha, a celebrated actress known for her versatile roles in the Malayalam film industry, passed away on May 6 at her home in Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, at the age of 63.

Her demise followed a prolonged battle with illness, specifically Parkinson’s disease and dementia, which had been gradually affecting her health.

Having been active in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema for over four decades, Kanakalatha left an indelible mark, appearing in more than 360 films and several television serials, including notable works like “Priyam,” “Chirikkudukka,” and “Aadyathe Kanmani.”

Despite her prolific career, she withdrew from the limelight due to her declining health.

The onset of her illness became apparent in 2021, with symptoms worsening during the pandemic period. By August 2022, a diagnosis of dementia was confirmed through an MRI scan, revealing the extent of her condition. Kanakalatha’s sister, Vijayamma, disclosed that her behaviour became akin to that of a toddler, necessitating constant care as her condition progressively deteriorated.

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In October 2022, Kanakalatha’s health took a critical turn, leading to her admission to the ICU as her condition worsened significantly. She required assistance with basic activities like eating and drinking, often relying on liquid nutrition due to forgetfulness. Additionally, she had to wear adult diapers, and her physical appearance altered noticeably.

Kanakalatha began her artistic journey through amateur dramas before transitioning to professional theatre, where her acting prowess shone through. Her debut in the film industry occurred in 1980 with “Unarthupaattu,” and she subsequently delivered memorable performances in films like “Kannezhuthi Pottumthottu,” “Varnapakittu,” “Spadikam,” “Kireedam,” “Rajavinte Makan,” and “Chillu,” among others.

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Her final appearance on screen was in the 2023 film “Pookkaalam,” directed by Ganesh Raj. Throughout her career, Kanakalatha collaborated with esteemed actors such as Jagathy Sreekumar, leaving an enduring legacy in the realm of Malayalam cinema. Her contributions and versatile portrayals have earned her widespread love, fame, and respect within the industry and among audiences.