Kamal Haasan pays emotional tribute to Malayalam icon Kaviyoor Ponnamma
Remembering her as the "Mother of all Actors," Kamal Haasan praised Kaviyoor Ponnamma's versatility and shared memories from their work together on the 1988 Tamil cult classic Sathya.
Updated : September 22, 2024 12:44 PM ISTRemembering her as the "Mother of all Actors," Kamal Haasan praised Kaviyoor Ponnamma's versatility and shared memories from their work together on the 1988 Tamil cult classic Sathya.
Kamal Haasan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in Sathya (Photo: YouTube screengrab)
A day after seasoned Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma was laid to rest, Kamal Haasan fondly remembered her in a heartfelt social media post. He praised her versatility as an actress and expressed pride in introducing her to the Tamil film industry through his cult classic Sathya (1988).
"Kaviyoor Ponnamma, the best character actor of Malayalam cinema, is nicknamed the 'Mother of all Actors.' Because of her acting talent, we brought her to the Tamil screen as well (Sathya). Making her debut as a stage actress at the age of 13, her artistic journey spanned cinema, serials, and commercials. The news of 'Mother' Kaviyoor Ponnamma's passing has saddened me. My condolences to her family. Tribute to Amma," said Kamal Haasan.
ALSO READ: Kaviyoor Ponnamma passes away, Malayalam cinema bids farewell to the matriarch
He also shared a poignant scene from Sathya. In the scene, Kamal's character, Sathya, struggles to express his feelings for Geetha Nair (played by Amala). Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s character, with just a knowing, empathetic look, conveys that she understands his unspoken emotions. Kamal noted how the scene showcased her timeless talent and ability to leave a lasting impression with her nuanced performances.
'எல்லா நடிகர்களுக்கும் அம்மா' என்று செல்லப் பெயரெடுத்தவர் மலையாளத் திரையின் சிறந்த குணச்சித்திர நடிப்புக் கலைஞரான கவியூர் பொன்னம்மா. அவரது நடிப்புத் திறத்தால் அவரைத் தமிழ்த் திரைக்கும் (சத்யா) அழைத்து வந்தோம்.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 22, 2024
தன் 13 ஆம் வயதில் மேடை நாடகக் கதாநாயகியாக அறிமுகமானவரின் கலைப் பயணம்,… pic.twitter.com/wU0tLuLNSn
Kamal Haasan has long shared a deep connection with the Malayalam film industry. While he honed his passion for cinema in Tamil Nadu, it was Kerala that shaped his sensibilities as an actor and storyteller. Early in his career, Kamal acted in over 40 Malayalam films, establishing strong ties with the industry.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away on Friday at the age of 79 and was laid to rest on Saturday with full state honours. The who's who of the Malayalam film industry gathered to honour her memory and bid her a final farewell.