Legendary Mollywood Actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma Passes Away at 79
Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma, who passed away today at the age of 79. The beloved actress breathed her last at Lissy Hospital, Kochi, following age-related health issues. She had been admitted a day earlier after her condition worsened. Known for her deep and emotional portrayals of motherly roles, Kaviyoor Ponnamma had stepped away from films in recent years due to her declining health.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma began her illustrious career with her debut in Mariakutty (1958), where she played a pivotal role that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in cinema. Over the decades, she became a symbol of maternal characters in Malayalam films, endearing herself to audiences with performances in movies like Kireedam, Thaniyavarthanam, Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal, In Harihar Nagar, Chenkol, His Highness Abdulla, Sandhesham, Bharatham, Thenmavin Kombathu and many more.
Her unparalleled contributions to Malayalam cinema earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress four times. She acted as Mohanlal’s mother in nearly 50 Malayalam films and has also acted as a mother to other notable actors such as Mammootty, Satyan, Prem Nazir, and Madhu.
Born in Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta, Ponnamma had an early inclination toward the arts, which she followed with a career that spanned over five decades. She is survived by her daughter, Bindhu, who resides abroad.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s passing is a significant loss to the world of Malayalam cinema. Her legacy immortalized through her heartfelt performances, will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
