Screenwriter Lekha Ambujakshan dies after two-year cancer battle

CHERUPUZHA: Screenwriter and lyricist Lekha Ambujakshan, who fought cancer with courage and shared her journey and experiences on social media to inspire other cancer patients, has passed away. Lekha (44) died after a two-and-a-half-year battle with the disease.

Lekha had often shared details of her illness, the challenges she faced and how she continued to live with confidence during her treatment through social media. Her posts gave hope and strength to many cancer patients who had felt that their lives had come to an end after being diagnosed with the disease. Her words encouraged them to face the illness with confidence and determination.

Lekha was also known for her work in short films and documentaries. A documentary she made on the tribal communities of Nagaland received attention at the national level. She later entered the film industry.

Lekha handled the screenplay, dialogues, lyrics and music for the 2019 environmental film Muttayikkallanum Mammaliyum. Her life partner, Ambujakshan Nambiar, directed the film. The couple later produced several short films and satirical series.

As her condition worsened, Lekha was admitted to a private hospital in Kannur a few days ago. She died while undergoing treatment.

She is survived by her husband, Ambujakshan Nambiar, a film director, and children Adikesha and Athithi, both students at PES Vidyalayam, Payyannur. Her sister is Sindhu, who lives in Bengaluru. Her funeral was held at the Peringome Panchayat crematorium.