Meena began her acting career in the late 1980s, primarily appearing in Tamil films. During her early years, she often wore traditional South Indian attire, such as sarees and salwar kameez, which were a staple in Tamil cinema at the time. Her iconic looks from this era included intricate temple jewelry, elegant draping, and ornate hairstyles. Meena's fashion sense was heavily influenced by the cultural and social norms of Tamil Nadu, and she effortlessly carried traditional outfits with poise and elegance.