Talented actress Kudassanad Kanakam who is best know for her role in ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey’ has opened up about a deeply emotional moment from her life. The loss of her son left the senior performer shattered, with almost no support around.During this painful time, director-actor Basil Joseph stepped in with unexpected help. The actress said the on-screen children who once acted beside her now stand beside her in real life.
Kudassanad Kanakam says Basil Joseph is like a son to her
During the interview with Fine Arts Media, Kudassanad Kanakam said, “When my son died, Basil gave me money and helped me. Basil Joseph is like a son to me.” Living alone had already been hard for the theatre veteran.Income came mainly from a small pension earned through years of stage work and when her son passed away, all savings were used to manage the final rituals and urgent needs. Once every rupee was gone, the future looked frightening.At that moment, the actress picked up the phone and called Basil. According to Kanakam, the call was answered on the very first ring and she asked for a few days of work in February. If no work was available in Basil’s project, she hoped Basil could speak to other directors.The ‘Minnal Murali’ director responded gently, “Mother… we can manage this. I will definitely try.”
Help arrives in a way the actress never expected
A little later, Basil’s manager reached out to her. The question came politely: “Mother, Basil likes you very much. Is this your Google Pay number?” Kanakam became worried the moment those words were said.The veteran performer replied, “Ayyoo, I did not call for money. I only wanted work. Please do not send me money.” The reply from the team was simple, and within moments, Rs 30,000 reached her account. Kanakam later said, “If I say this in front of the media, Basil will scold me.” After losing her own child, the actor now sees the people around her—like Basil—as her new family.The actress has lived alone for many years, holding herself together through discipline and work. Theatre has always been her backbone. Decades of performances on professional stages made her a respected name. A state award also came her way for excellence in theatre.
Journey in Malayalam cinema
Across the years, the senior performer has appeared in several notable films. Roles in ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey’, ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil’, ‘Maranamass’, and many other projects showed her range and strength. The most recent work is ‘Aashaan’, directed by John Paul George, with Indrans in the lead.
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