Kamalakshi Amma is survived by a son and four daughters. Called endearingly as 'Katha' by her husband and his friends, she had been an inspiration for the writer for decades until his death in 1999. In his memoirs, Thakazhi himself had acknowledged that his wife had been a great support in his long literary career.One of the most popular novelists in Malayalam, Thakazhi was honoured with the prestigious literary award Jnanpith Award in 1984.Widely read works include "Chemmeen", which was made into a national award-winning film.
