Heart wrenching story of yesteryear actor Kanakalatha

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor Kanakalatha (57) who has mesmerised South Indian audience with her performance in over 350 films, is currently suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Dementia. 

The actor who has left an everlasting impression in the minds of cinephiles with brief but impactful performances in several movies, now behaves more like a 3-year-old child. She needs constant care. Life turned topsy-turvy for Kanakalatha ever since she was diagnosed with the wretched disease. As told by her kin, the only time the yesteryear actor gains some awareness of herself, is when she sits in front of the television to watch movies - probably a testimony of her undying passion for cinema.

Kanakalatha had started showing symptoms of Parkinson’s and Dementia back in December 2021.

“Kanakalatha was suffering from lack of sleep for a long time. She had given upon her daily routines including practising Yoga way back. Those were signs of disasters lying ahead. Upon my suggestion, we visited a psychiatrist last year. He told us that my sister is suffering Dementia. After performing an MRI scan, it became quite evident that Kanaka’s brain was shrinking. It was a tough realisation,” says Vijayamma.

As part of treatment, Kanakalatha was admitted in KIMS hospital Thiruvananthapuram, from October 22 - November 5, last year.

“She has lost sense of almost everything. Kanakalatha does not ask for food anymore. We have to feed her food in fluid form. Sometimes she eats, sometimes she spits it out. She rarely talks. Life is an ordeal for her now,” Vijayamma concluded.

Chillu, Kariyilakkattu Pole, and Rajavinte Makan are few of the prominent movies that Kanakalatha has acted in. Malayalam movie ‘Pookkalam’ is her latest release.