I am not dead yet, says actress Kanaka

“I don’t think anyone would fake their death, not even film stars”

IANS/Chennai

Squashing rumours of her death, well-known southern actress Kanaka Mahalakshmi said “I’m not dead yet.”

On Tuesday, it was reported that Kanaka, who was undergoing treatment at the Palliative Care Hospital in Alappuzha, Kerala, for cancer, had died after the treatment failed to cure the disease.

Late in the evening, Kanaka called a press conference at her residence here to clarify rumours about her death.

“I’m not dead yet as I have been quoted by some media channels. I’m perfectly healthy. I don’t have cancer and neither have I had the scare! The last time I was in Kerala, it was in 1992 when I was shooting for a Malayalam film. I’m very much alive! These are nothing but speculations,” Kanaka said.

The actress added that the report of her death was not a publicity stunt either.

“I don’t think anyone would fake their death, not even film stars. I have stayed away from cinema for personal reasons, but I’m likely to return soon. I have been getting offers, but I’m waiting for the perfect role,” she said.

Kanaka, who rose to fame with 1989 Tamil blockbuster debut Karakattakaran, is the daughter of yesteryear actress Devika. Since her mother died in 2002, Kanaka has stayed away from film industry. In the Malayalam film industry, Kanaka has worked with superstars like Mammootty and Mohanlal.

In fact, Shaji Kailas’ 2000 hit film Narasimham saw her sharing the screen space with the both the actors. Her other Malayalam films include Vietnam Colony, Golanthara Vartha and Pingami. She is known for several hit films such as Godfather, Periya Kudumbam and Jallikattu Kalai.