Actor Meena Ganesh, who passed away at the age of 81, had earned a name for herself in the Malayalam film industry, thanks to her natural acting prowess and excellent timing. Her incredibly expressive face, the perfect portrayal of emotions and even her voice modulation had won the hearts of both the audience and critics alike.
The actor had been facing health issues for a long time and had often acknowledged the support provided by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) during her time of need. Though she received financial and emotional support from her children, Meena revealed she had lost the will to live after her husband's death. She also declined most of the roles in the later years owing to her ill-health.
In an interview with an online channel, Meena had spoken about her husband's close association with the late actor Thilakan. Apart from being close friends, they had also worked together for three years at Geetha theatre in Changanassery. Meena had acted in the award-winning play ‘Fasah’ directed by Thilakan. She recalled how Thilakan would chide her when she made mistakes.

Her family had opposed her marriage
She and actor-theatre director Ganesh were in a relationship for six years. “We had quite a controversial marriage. My mother didn’t approve of our relationship. People in my place used to mock me for acting in plays. In those days, people who acted in plays were looked down by society. Despite all the opposition, we decided to get married in 1971 and moved to Shoranur,” Meena had said.
Meena’s husband passed away almost 15 years ago. “My daughter had just delivered a baby and I had been at her house to help her. I also had to go for a film shoot. My neighbour called me and said that Ganesh was taken to the hospital after falling ill. His death was so sudden. Actors Mukesh and Jagadish payed a visit to my house after his demise. My life turned upside down after he died. We accompanied each other wherever we went. I have often prayed that I don't wake up in the morning because I lost my desire to live after his death. We met each other in 1965 and got married in 1971. We lived happily for 39 years and had two kids. I am proud that we raised them well,” she had said. In the interview, she recalled how actor Mani helped her a lot. “I was devastated when he died. I swear to God that he would have helped me if he were alive. But, he too left us! We used to stay in the same hotel during shooting. He would drop me at the location, even though they would sent a vehicle to pick me. He always addressed me as 'amma.' We often say good people leave us too soon. It was the same in his case,” she had said.

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