Kaviyoor Ponnamma: The Mother of Malayalam Cinema

Kaviyoor Ponnamma, the veteran Malayalam actress, passed away at the age of 79 on September 20, 2024. She was admitted to a private hospital in Kochi earlier this month due to age-related health issues.
Known for her remarkable contributions to Malayalam cinema, Ponnamma has acted in more than 700 films over the last 60 years. She has played a wide range of roles, but is most famously known for playing mother to leading actors of different generations, from Prem Nazir to Mohanlal.
Ponnamma's journey in the film industry began in the early 1960s when she joined the drama troupe of the renowned playwright and director Kavalam Narayana Panicker. She made her film debut in 1965 with the movie "Odayil Ninnu." Since then, she has acted in numerous films, including some of the most popular Malayalam movies of all time, such as "Kireedam," "Sandesam," "Chenkol," and "Nandanam."
Ponnamma's performances have been widely acclaimed for their authenticity and emotional depth. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress four times.
In addition to her acting career, Ponnamma was also involved in social work. She was a patron of several charitable organizations and was actively involved in promoting education and healthcare for the underprivileged.
Ponnamma's death is a great loss to the Malayalam film industry. She was a true legend who will be fondly remembered for her contributions to the world of cinema.

Here are some of the most memorable quotes from Kaviyoor Ponnamma:

"I have never considered acting as a job. It is my passion, my life."
"I believe that every role, big or small, has its own importance. I try to give my best to every character I play."
"The secret to my success is hard work and dedication. I have always loved acting and I have never taken it for granted."
"I am grateful for the love and support I have received from my fans over the years. It is their love that has kept me going."
"I hope that my legacy will be that I was a good actress who always tried to make a difference in the world."