MALAYALAM ACTOR KANAKALATHA PASSES AWAY AT 63
Kanakalatha, a versatile actor with so many films and serials to her credit including Priyam, Chirikkudukka and Aadyathe Kanmani, has passed away. She died at her home in Malayankeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. Kanakalatha was active in Malayalam and Tamil film industries for nearly four decades.
A Long Career
In her four-decade-long career, Kanakalatha acted in more than 360 films in different languages. Her noted films include Priyam (2000), Kannezhuthi Pottumthottu (1999), Varnapakittu (1997), Spadikam (1995), Kireedam (1989), Rajavinte Makan (1986) and Chillu (1982). Her maiden film was Unarthupaattu (1980). Her roles in Anyar, Vakkalathu Narayanankutty, Chirikkudukka and Agrahaaram were also noted.
Beginning with amateur dramas, Kanakalatha later started performing major characters in professional theatre. That’s when she decided to continue with acting as her career. Kanakalatha acted in several TV serials also. She also dubbed in Kariyilakkattu Pole.
Kanakalatha was an integral part of Malayalam movies those days, acting alongside prolific actors like Jagathy Sreekumar. Her latest film was Pookkalam. Other recent films were 3 Days, Idukki Blasters, Kakkapole and Iruttu. She performed noted roles in Tamil films like Karpooramullai and Unakkaga Piranthen. Her dramas include Pramani, Indulekha and Swathi Tirunal.
Diagnosed With Dementia
Last year, Kanakalatha’s sister Vijayamma disclosed her illness, which manifested symptoms in 2021.In August 2022, doctors diagnosed her with dementia through an MRI scan.