Sat Sep 21 03:50:57 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Malayalam Actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma Passes Away
**Kochi, Kerala**: Renowned Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away on Wednesday evening at a private hospital in Kochi. She was 78. Ponnamma, who had been ailing for over a month, is survived by her family.
Her funeral will take place at her residence in Aluva on Thursday. The public can pay their last respects at the Kalamassery Municipal Town Hall from 9 am to 12 pm.
Ponnamma, a veteran actress with over six decades in Malayalam cinema, is known for her versatile roles and portrayal of strong maternal characters. She is considered one of the most prolific actors in the industry and had acted alongside many prominent stars, including Prem Nazir, Sathyan, and Madhu.
She started her career in theatre, performing as a singer with the renowned company “Pratibha Arts.” Her acting debut came with the play “Mooladhanam” by Thoppil Bhasi. Ponnamma made her film debut in 1962 with “Sree Rama Pattabhishekam”, playing the role of Mandodari.
Her iconic role as the mother of Sathyan and Madhu in the 1965 film “Thommante Makkal” established her as a formidable actress. She portrayed a wide range of characters, including the memorable “Ambalakulangara” in the 1965 film “Odayil Ninnu” and “Savithri” in the 1974 film “Nell.”
Ponnamma’s demise is a significant loss to the Malayalam film industry. She leaves behind a legacy of iconic performances that will continue to inspire generations of actors.