Indulekha recalls judgemental comments she faced after resuming work following her husband’s death: ‘I would go and cry alone’

Indulekha continued, “Then I realised there’s no point in fearing society. Life will only move forward if we continue with our work and other responsibilities. Life as a widow is not easy at all. Earlier, I used to feel sad when I heard a lot of things… I would go and cry alone. But now, I just ignore them if I hear such things.”

Mentioning that society hasn’t undergone a complete transformation yet, she said there are still people who think and act in conventional, narrow-minded ways. “Even if they are educated and informed, their thoughts might be old-fashioned. In fact, I have had such experiences from people close to me. Since most of the roles I’ve played are of innocent, well-meaning individuals, some people feel a kind of affection for me. The harm I’ve experienced often came from those I know,” Indulekha said.

During an appearance on the Flowers Orukodi programme a few years ago, she had opened up about how she and Shankaran Potti fell in love, initially eloping and getting married out of fear that her family might not approve of their relationship. “It was during my college days that my love story with Potti blossomed. I was twenty years old then. Since I studied in a central school, I wasn’t perfectly proficient in reading and writing Malayalam. However, as our love grew through letters, I had no choice but to learn the language,” she said.

Knowing that her family wouldn’t approve of their relationship, they initially had a secret registered marriage. Indulekha left home saying she was going to dance class, got married, and returned in the evening as usual. They kept the marriage a secret for about three months. It was only after she completed her studies that she left home and moved in with Shankaran.

“At his house, everyone was okay with our marriage. We tied the knot at a temple and informed my mother afterwards. The very next day after the wedding, I went for a shoot. Meanwhile, my mother and elder brother came and sorted things out. That’s when our married life truly began,” she added. Shankaran Potti passed away more than a decade ago due to health issues.

It was when she was in seventh grade that Indulekha got an opportunity to act in the Doordarshan serial Heroes. Subsequently, she appeared in numerous telefilms and mega-serials. She has worked in over 75 serials and 15 films, including Mohanlal’s Hello (2007).