Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 (IANS) Popular South Indian actress Meera Jasmine Thursday bagged the first Sreevidya award for the best actress in the Malayalam film industry.

K.B. Ganesh Kumar, chairman of the MLV Sreevidya Charitable Society, said that a jury comprising veteran Malayalam film director Siddiq chose Meera Jasmine for the award.

'She has been chosen for the first Sreevidya award for her role in 'Orae Kadal'. The award would be given on actress Sreevidya's second death anniversary, which falls this Sunday,' said Kumar.

Sreevidya died on Oct 19, 2006, at the age of 53. She had acted in many South Indian films. However, it was in the Malayalam film industry that she made a huge impression.

'We have also decided to start a Cancer Foundation in Sreevidya's memory and would work in tandem with the regional cancer centre here by financially supporting women patients who cannot meet the treatment costs,' said Kumar.