Kaviyoor Ponnamma

Kaviyoor Ponnamma (10 September 1945 – 20 September 2024) was a beloved Indian actress whose career in Malayalam cinema and television spanned more than five decades. She first took to the stage as a young performer, eventually becoming a familiar face in theatre productions before making her mark on the silver screen. In addition to acting, she lent her voice to a few film songs and appeared in television serials and advertisements.

Recognized for her remarkable versatility, Ponnamma received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress four times, a testament to her enduring talent. She earned the affectionate title of “mother to all actors” for her frequent portrayals of maternal figures. At just 20, she took on the role of mother to veteran actors Sathyan and Madhu in *Thommente Makkal* (1965). Over the years, she became especially known for her performances opposite Mohanlal, earning widespread critical praise.

Her artistic journey began early: at age five, she was already learning music and performing on stage. In 1958, the Kerala People’s Arts Club (KPAC) discovered her while searching for a young girl who could sing, casting her as the heroine in *Mooladhanam* when she was only 13, under the direction of Thoppil Bhasi. Five years later, she made her film debut in *Kudumbini*, playing a mother of two.

Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away from cancer at Lissie Hospital in Kochi on 20 September 2024, aged 79.