Acted in 450 films, yet Thodupuzha Vasanthi died penniless after leg amputation, cancer diagnosis

Thodupuzha Vasanthi, a veteran actor with a career spanning over four decades, appeared in approximately 450 films and over 100 plays, as well as 16 tele-serials. Born P Vasanthakumari, her father was a theatre actor who ran his own troupe. Vasanthi made her film debut at the age of 16 in Kunchacko's Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre (1975) and received Rs 100 for her first movie.

She rose to prominence after her performance in Mohan's Aalolam (1982). Despite her success, Vasanthi faced significant personal tragedies. Her father died of cancer, followed by the diagnosis and death of her husband Rejeendran and her mother. After Rejeendran's death, Vasanthi's mother also passed away. Personal health issues further compounded her struggles.

She developed heart and eye problems, underwent an angioplasty, and eventually suffered from diabetes, which led to the amputation of her right leg in August 2017. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with throat cancer. By this time, acting had become her sole source of income after closing her dance school. Vasanthi survived on a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 provided by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for financially distressed and ailing actors.

She passed away on November 28, 2017, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of a talented actress who triumphed in the face of numerous adversities.