Sat Sep 21 14:36:08 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Malayalam Actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma Passes Away at 79

**Kochi:** Renowned Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away on Friday evening at Lisie Hospital in Kochi after a prolonged battle with stage 4 cancer. She was 79.

Ponnamma, known for her versatility and memorable performances in over 1000 films, was admitted to the hospital on September 3rd. The actor, who began her career on stage at the young age of 14, became a household name in Malayalam cinema, playing iconic mother roles to generations of actors including Prem Naseer, Sathyan, Madhu, Soman, Mohanlal, and Mammootty. Notably, she played Mohanlal’s mother in over 50 films.

Ponnamma’s contribution to Malayalam cinema was widely recognized with her receiving the state award for best supporting actress four times. She also produced the film ‘Meghatheertham’ and was a prominent figure in Kerala’s theatre scene, performing in plays like ‘Puthiya Aakasham Puthiya Bhoomi’, ‘Doctor’, ‘Althara’, and ‘Janani Janmabhoomi’.

Her passing has been met with immense grief across the film industry and the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences through his Facebook page, highlighting Ponnamma’s contributions as both a theatre artist and film actor.

Thousands of people, including prominent actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty, political leaders, and other renowned figures from the state’s cultural sphere, gathered at Kalamassery Municipal Town Hall to pay their last respects to the late actor. Ponnamma was laid to rest with full state honors at her residence on Saturday.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Malayalam cinema. Her demise marks the end of an era, leaving behind a void that will be deeply felt by her fans and the entire film fraternity.

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