Manka has received several awards and nominations for her performances, including:

Manka Mahesh is a prominent character actress in the Malayalam film and television industry. She is best known for her comedic timing, distinctive voice, and portrayals of middle-aged, gossipy, or eccentric women. Often cast as a nosy neighbor, a quirky servant, or a humorous relative, Manka has carved a unique niche for herself in Malayalam cinema and serials. She is also a trained classical dancer and has worked as a choreographer.

Manka Mahesh was born in 1965 in Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha district in Kerala. The youngest of six children, she was drawn to the arts from a young age. After her 10th grade, she formally trained in dance under the guidance of guru Amrutham Gopinath. Her professional acting career began on the stage as a drama artist, most notably with the renowned K.P.A.C. drama troupe. It was during her time at K.P.A.C. that she met her future husband, Mahesh, with whom she would go on to act in numerous plays. She then transitioned to television in the late 1990s before making her mark in Malayalam films.