Kaviyoor Ponnamma passes away, Malayalam cinema bids farewell to the matriarch

Veteran Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away at the age of 79. The veteran actress was in critical condition and had been admitted to a private hospital in Kochi, where she took her last breath. She had been battling cancer for a long time.

Matriarch of Malayalam cinema

Known for her iconic mother roles in Malayalam cinema, Kaviyoor Ponnamma starred in more than 700 films over a career spanning over 60 years. She became renowned for portraying mother and grandmother characters. She began her journey in stage drama before transitioning to films, where her immense talent shone brightly. She was widely recognized for her motherly roles in Mohanlal’s films.

The passing of this veteran actress is truly a huge loss for the Malayalam film industry, where she was admired for her remarkable talent and dedication. Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s legacy as a veteran actress in Malayalam cinema will be cherished for years to come.

Where it all began

Kaviyoor Ponnamma entered the film industry with the 1958 Prem Nazir-starrer Mariakutty. She later appeared in Kudumbini, playing the title role of a mother of two children at just 19 years old.

Mother to Malayalam superstars

Throughout her illustrious career, she played the mother to many of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars, including Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Dileep. Her portrayal of Mohanlal’s on-screen mother was especially beloved, forming a deep connection with audiences. In 2022, she made her final screen appearance in Kannadi, before her health began to decline, leading her to step away from public life. The actress was a four-time Kerala State Film Award winner for Second Best Actress.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma was married to film producer Maniswami in 1969, who passed away in 2011. The couple has a daughter, Bindhu, who is married and settled in the United States.

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