Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passes away at 79 after long battle with stage 4 cancer

Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passes away at 79 after long battle with stage 4 cancer

As a passionate admirer of the silver screen, I find myself deeply saddened by the loss of Kaviyoor Ponnamma, a Malayalam acting gem who graced our lives for over seven decades. Her remarkable career, spanning countless films and iconic roles, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions, particularly in Kerala.


On September 20th, beloved Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma sadly passed away in a private hospital in Kochi. According to reports, she had been fighting cancer for some time before her passing, at the age of 79.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma was wedded to the late filmmaker Mani Swami. Presently, their family line continues with their daughter Bindu, who is currently married to a university professor based in the United States (specifically at the University of Michigan).

1945 saw the birth of Kaviyoor Ponnamma, whose acting career extended across an impressive 7 decades. With over 700 films to her credit, she is best recognized for portraying maternal roles. Her remarkable performances in various iconic characters earned her no less than 4 Kerala State Awards throughout her career.

In an intriguing turn of events, the esteemed Malayalam actress, who is no longer with us, has graced the big screen alongside stars such as Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Prem Naseer. Notably, she portrayed Mohanlal’s mother in over 50 films, according to a report from Manorama. With an early start in music at 12, Ponnamma was recruited by music director Devarajan for play performances. Her passion for the stage eventually led her to become one of Kerala People’s Arts Club’s (KPAC) leading actresses. She made her film debut at the tender age of 14 and is renowned for roles in Asuravithu, Velutha Kathrina, Cross Belt, Nellu, and many more productions.

Upon hearing the sad news about Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s passing, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his sympathies through his official account. He wrote, “The death of Kaviyoor Ponnamma marks the end of a significant era in Malayalam cinema. Her portrayals of Malayali women on screen, filled with the essence of motherhood, have left an indelible impression on us. My deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who admire Malayalam cinema.

Malayalam actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma passes away at 79 after long battle with stage 4 cancer

In addition to CM, actors such as Prithviraj Sukumaran have expressed deep sympathy towards the iconic actress of the Malayalam film industry by posting a touching tribute photo of her.

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2024-09-21 08:07