‘Wasted 17 years of my life on three stupid marriages’: Actor Meera Vasudevan on past choices

Malayalam actor Meera Vasudevan, known for her acclaimed performance in the 2005 film ‘Thanmathra’, has opened up about the personal setbacks she believes hindered her professional growth. Reflecting on her journey, the 44-year-old actor said she regrets spending nearly two decades in what she described as unfulfilling marriages. 

Speaking to interviewer Dhanya Varma, Meera said she now feels those years could have been invested in her career, interests, and family instead.

Regret over lost years

During the conversation, Meera did not hold back about what she considers the biggest mistake of her life. “I often tell my son... I wasted 17 years of my life on three stupid marriages. I could have achieved so much during that time by working intelligently. I could have focused on things I love, such as cinema, fitness, or building a great social circle for myself,” she said.

She added that she missed out on valuable time with her parents and sister during those years. “I could have done so much more with my life, but I couldn’t. I could have spent a lot of time with my father, mother, and sister. Instead, I wasted that time on others... I wasted so much time in relationships with people who never really took me seriously or respected me.”

This is not the first time Meera has been candid about her past. Earlier this year, in an interview with Movie World Media, she said, “I have made mistakes, and I have nothing to hide. Now, I need to move forward with my life. I am currently very busy with my career and very happy in life. I am in a very beautiful phase in my life right now.”

Three marriages that ended in separation

Meera married Vishal Agarwal in 2005, but the relationship ended in 2010. In 2012, she wed Malayalam actor John Kokken, with whom she shares a son. The two separated in 2016.

Her third marriage was to cinematographer Vipin Puthiyankam in May 2024. The couple split a little over a year later in August 2025.

Meera previously said her life decisions were shaped by seeking validation outside herself. “We attain clarity in life through experiences. If we aren’t comfortable in our own space, we end up seeking validation from others. When that happens, what others say starts becoming our ‘truth.’ That doesn’t mean we should hurt anyone, but we must learn from our experiences and grow.”

Meera Vasudevan’s career

Although she debuted in Hindi cinema with the 2003 film ‘Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula’ opposite Milind Soman, it was her Malayalam work that earned her lasting recognition. Her portrayal of Lekha in ‘Thanmathra’, directed by Blessy, remains one of the most memorable performances of her career.

The actor has since appeared in films such as ‘Oruvan’, ‘Ekantham’, ‘Kuttymama’, ‘Thakkol’ and ‘Payakappal’, while also maintaining a steady presence in Malayalam television.

Despite personal challenges, Meera says she is now focused solely on her work and well-being, describing her current phase as one of clarity and contentment.