Kaviyoor Ponnamma, the beloved Malayalam actress known for her maternal roles in Indian cinema, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 79. Her illustrious career spanned over six decades, making her a household name not only in Kerala but throughout the Indian film industry. From her humble beginnings in theater to her iconic on-screen portrayals, Ponnamma’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Malayalam cinema.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Biography
Born on September 10, 1945, in the village of Kaviyoor in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, Ponnamma displayed a passion for the performing arts from a young age. At just five years old, she began learning classical music, which later led her to participate in stage shows as a singer. By the age of 14, Ponnamma had started acting in dramas, making her debut in Thoppil Bhasi’s Mooladhanam, a landmark moment in her early career.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaviyoor Ponnamma |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India |
| Age (at the time of death) | 79 years old (in 2024) |
| Date of Death | September 20, 2024 |
| Occupation | Film Actress, Playback Singer, Television Actress |
| Years Active | 1964–2022 |
| Film Debut | Kudumbini (1964) |
| Known For | Maternal roles in Malayalam cinema |
| Spouse | M. K. Maniswami (Film producer, passed away in 2011) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Bindhu Maniswami, living in the USA) |
| Notable Awards | Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress (1971, 1972, 1973, 1994) |
| Most Famous Roles | Films like Nirmalyam, Manichitrathazhu, Vadakkumnathan, Nandanam |
| Total Films | Over 700 films |
| Latest Movie Appearance | Oppam (2016) |
| Legacy | Iconic portrayal of mother roles in Malayalam cinema |
| Family | Parents: T.P. Damodharan and Gauri Damodharan |
| Siblings | Sister: Kaviyoor Renuka |
| Height | 5’ 2” (158 cm) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
Her transition to films occurred in 1964 with the movie Kudumbini, where she played a mother, a role that set the tone for much of her cinematic journey. Over the years, she portrayed maternal figures to several of Malayalam cinema’s greatest actors, including Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Prem Nazir. Her performances were praised for their emotional depth, and she became the quintessential “screen mother” of Malayalam cinema.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Age
At the time of her death in September 2024, Kaviyoor Ponnamma was 79 years old. Despite her declining health in the last few years, she remained a significant figure in Indian cinema, admired for her grace and dedication to her craft.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Death
Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away in a private hospital in Kochi due to age-related health complications. She had been battling illness for several months, and her condition had deteriorated in the weeks leading up to her passing. The news of her death has left the film fraternity and fans grieving the loss of one of Malayalam cinema’s most cherished actresses.
Family Life
Kaviyoor Ponnamma was born to T. P. Damodharan and Gauri Damodharan. She had a sister, Kaviyoor Renuka, who was also an actress. Ponnamma’s personal life was one of quiet strength. She was married to M. K. Maniswami, a film producer, who passed away in 2011. The couple had one daughter, Bindhu Maniswami, who currently resides in the United States. Kaviyoor Ponnamma shared a close relationship with her daughter, though Bindhu has largely stayed away from the limelight.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Husband
M. K. Maniswami, Ponnamma’s husband, was a film producer known for supporting his wife throughout her career. The two shared a strong bond, and his passing in 2011 was a significant personal loss for Ponnamma. Despite this, she continued working in cinema until her health began to decline in recent years.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Latest Movie
Ponnamma made her final film appearance in 2022 before her health issues forced her to step away from acting. Throughout her career, she appeared in over 700 films, a staggering number that showcases her prolific nature as an actress. Some of her latest films include Oppam (2016), Thoppil Joppan (2016), and Ividam Swargamanu (2009), where she continued to portray powerful maternal figures.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Movies
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s filmography is vast and impressive, with roles that left a lasting impression on her audiences. Some of her most well-known films include Nirmalyam (1973), Oru Penninte Katha (1971), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Vadakkumnathan (2006), and Nandanam (2002). She won multiple Kerala State Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress, in 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1994. Her collaborations with Mohanlal, in particular, are fondly remembered, with films like Thanmatra and Balettan showcasing the strong emotional connection they created on screen.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s Daughter
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s only daughter, Bindhu Maniswami, currently resides in the United States, where she has built a life away from the film industry. Bindhu’s decision to stay out of the spotlight contrasts with her mother’s high-profile career in Indian cinema, though Ponnamma frequently expressed pride in her daughter’s accomplishments.
Is Kaviyoor Ponnamma Still Alive?
As of September 20, 2024, Kaviyoor Ponnamma is no longer alive. Her death marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema, as she was one of the last remaining icons from a generation of actors who shaped the industry. Her passing has led to widespread tributes, with fans and fellow actors alike mourning the loss of a legend.
Conclusion
Kaviyoor Ponnamma’s life was one of dedication, not just to her art but also to her family. With a career that spanned more than six decades and over 700 films, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of actors. Her contributions to Malayalam cinema, particularly her portrayal of maternal figures, will be remembered for years to come, and her passing is a significant loss to Indian cinema.
