Kochi: Beloved Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma, known for her memorable mother roles in over 1,000 films, passed away at the age of 79. She had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments in the ICU of a private hospital in Kochi and passed away on Friday evening after her condition deteriorated.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma began her illustrious career in Malayalam cinema in 1962 with the film Sreeraama Pattaabhishekam, portraying Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. Over her six-decade career, she became synonymous with motherly roles, playing the mother to iconic stars from Prem Nazir to Mohanlal, with whom she shared the screen in over 50 films.
Born in 1945 in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, she was introduced to music and drama from a young age. Her first stage appearance was at the age of 14 in Thoppil Bhasi’s play Mooladhanam. Her early passion for singing led her to perform in stage plays, and soon after, she transitioned to cinema. Her performances in renowned plays such as Puthiya Aakasham Puthiya Bhoomi and Janani Janmabhoomi won her acclaim in Kerala’s theatre circles.
Apart from her beloved mother roles, Ponnamma also ventured into production, bankrolling the film Meghatheertham, and received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress four times. Her significant contributions were recognized by fans and peers alike, with Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan among those mourning her loss.
Her funeral will be held at her residence in Aluva, Ernakulam at 4 PM on Saturday, with public homage allowed at the Kalamassery Municipal Town Hall from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma is survived by her daughter, Bindu, and son-in-law Venkatram, a professor at the University of Michigan.
