Fri Sep 20 16:15:11 UTC 2024: ## Malayalam Cinema Icon Kaviyoor Ponnamma Passes Away at 79
**KOCHI, INDIA -** Veteran Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma, known for her iconic mother roles in over 1,000 films, passed away on Friday at the age of 79. The actress, who had been hospitalized for months due to age-related ailments, breathed her last at a private hospital in Kochi.
Ponnamma’s death marks the end of an illustrious chapter in the history of Malayalam cinema and theater. Her career spanned over six decades, with roles not just on the silver screen but also on stage and television.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep sorrow over Ponnamma’s passing, calling her a woman who “won the hearts of Malayalis through her roles as a mother.”
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian also shared his condolences, recalling Ponnamma as an actress who captured the hearts of the people with her iconic mother roles.
Ponnamma started her career as a singer before transitioning to acting through theatre. Her notable films include “Asuravithu,” “Velutha Kathreena,” “KarakanaKadal,” and “Theerthayathra.” She also lent her voice as a playback singer in eight films and appeared in over 25 television series.
Ponnamma was known for her ability to portray a range of characters, from the quintessential mother figure to negative roles. She was a prolific actress who graced the silver screen alongside some of Malayalam cinema’s biggest stars, including Sathyan, Madhu, Prem Nazir, Soman, Sukumaran, Mammootty, and Mohanlal.
Her funeral will be held tomorrow, with public viewing scheduled at the Kalamassery Municipal Town Hall.
First Piper 