Popular Malayalam actress Meena Ganesh, who starred in over 400 films, passes away

The esteemed veteran actress Meena Ganesh, aged 81, passed away on Thursday morning in Shoranur, Palakkad. Her demise occurred at a private hospital, where she had been receiving treatment for five days after suffering a cerebral stroke. With a career spanning decades, Meena has featured in over 400 Malayalam films, along with numerous television serials and theatrical performances.

She delivered remarkable roles in films such as Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, Meesha Madhavan, Nandanam, Punaradhivasam, and Karumadikuttan. Her contributions to Kerala’s theatre scene included performances with renowned groups like SL Puram Soorya Soma, Kayamkulam Kerala Theatres, and Thrissur Chinmayi, earning her several accolades.

Meena began her acting journey at 19, debuting in theatre before transitioning to cinema with P.A. Backer’s Manimuzhakkam. Her prominence in Malayalam cinema rose significantly after portraying Pathumma in the 1991 film Mukhamudra. Born in 1942 in Kallekulangara, Palakkad, she was the daughter of Tamil film actor K.P. Keshavan. Her first foray into theatre was through the Koppam Brothers Arts Club during her school years. She later performed extensively in Tamil Nadu, showcasing her talent in Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, and other regions.


In 1971, Meena married A.N. Ganesh, a distinguished playwright, director, and actor. Together, they founded the Pournami Kalamandir theatre group in Shoranur. Unfortunately, the troupe dissolved within three years due to financial challenges, prompting Meena to collaborate with other theatre groups. She starred in notable plays such as Panchajanyam, Fasah, Mayookham, Simhasanam, and Swarnamayooram. Her portrayal of ‘Kulsumbi’ in the play Fasah, directed by actor Thilakan for Chalakudy Sarathi Theatres, received widespread acclaim.

The play Panchajanyam, written and directed by A.N. Ganesh for Ernakulam Drishyakalanjali, ran successfully for three years. Meena and Ganesh acted together in over 20 plays penned by him.

She is survived by her son, director Manoj Ganesh, and daughter, Sangeetha. The funeral rites are scheduled for Thursday evening at Shanthitheeram in Shoranur, Palakkad.