Fri Sep 20 14:51:41 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma Passes Away at 79
**Kochi:** Renowned Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma, known for her impactful portrayal of mother roles, passed away at the age of 79 on [Date of death]. She was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi for age-related ailments.
Ponnamma, a veteran of over half a century in Malayalam cinema, was a beloved figure, having played the role of mother to generations of actors, from Prem Nazir to the current generation. Her cinematic journey began in 1962 with the film “Sree Rama Pattabhishekam,” where she essayed the role of Mandodari, the wife of Ravana.
Her breakthrough role came in “Kudimbini” (1968), where she played the mother of lead actors Sathyan and Madhu. Ponnamma’s performance in the critically acclaimed film “Nirmalyam” (1973), directed by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, further solidified her position in the industry. She also played the lead role in the 1974 film “Nellu,” a landmark in her career.
Ponnamma became an indispensable part of Malayalam cinema during the 1980s. Her portrayal of dramatic and comedic roles with equal ease continued throughout the decades, with “Devadas” (1989) being a notable example.
Her journey into the world of acting began through the stage, and she was also a prominent figure in television serials and commercials. Ponnamma was a talented singer as well, and she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress four times, in 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1994.
Born in Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta district, to T.P. Damodaran and Gauri, Ponnamma was married to film producer M.K. Maniswamy. The couple had one daughter, Bindu. She is survived by her daughter and sister, actress Kaviyoor Renuka.
Ponnamma’s body will be kept for public viewing at the Kalamassery Municipal Hall on [Date]. The Malayalam film industry mourns the loss of a legend, and her contributions to cinema will be remembered for generations to come.
First Piper 