Kaviyoor Ponnamma (1945-2024) was a renowned Indian actress who predominantly worked in Malayalam films and television. She was known for her versatile acting skills and memorable portrayals of mother and grandmother roles throughout her illustrious career spanning over six decades. She made her final screen appearance in 2021 in the anthology film Aanum Pennum.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Age
Veteran actress Kaviyoor Ponnamma was 80 years old when she died.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Biography
| Full Name | Kaviyoor Ponnamma |
| Date of Birth | 10 September 1945 |
| Died | 20 September 2024 |
| Birthplace | Kaviyoor, Kerala |
| Education | Not known |
| Profession | Movie & Theatre Actress |
| Last Film | Aanum Pennum (2021) |
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Family
Kaviyoor Ponnamma was born to T. P. Damodharan and Gauri. She was the eldest of seven siblings. One of her sisters, Kaviyoor Renuka, was also an actress. Ponnamma married film producer Maniswami in 1969. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Bindhu, who is currently settled in the United States. Maniswami passed away in 2011.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Early Life & Career
Kaviyoor Ponnamma displayed a passion for the performing arts from a young age. By the age of five, she had already begun learning classical music and by 14 Ponnamma made her debut in drama in Thoppil Bhasi’s play Mooladhanam.
After five years of doing theatre, she started her cinematic journey by debuting with the movie Kudumbini, playing the title role of a mother to two children. This early role foreshadowed the maternal characters that would become her trademark in the decades to come. Her roles in critically acclaimed films like Nirmalyam (1973) and Nellu (1974) further cemented her reputation as a versatile actress.
In her career of over six decades, Kaviyoor Ponnamma went on to act in over 700 films, portraying the mother of almost every major Malayalam actor. Ponnamma’s ability to bring warmth, depth, and authenticity to her maternal roles build her reputation as the “screen mother” of Malayalam cinema.
| See also: Aditi Rao Hydari Biography |
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Awards
Ponnamma received multiple honors for her work in cinema, including the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress, which she won four times (1971, 1972, 1973, and 1994).
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Net Worth
Her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, given her illustrious career spanning decades with appearances in more than 700 films, it can be reasonably estimated that she amassed a good net worth.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Death
Kaviyoor Ponnamma who has been battling cancer for a long time and was hospitalized since September 3 passed away on September 20, 2024. She is survived by her daughter, Bindhu.
FAQs
Her daughter’s name is Bindhu Maniswami.
Ponnamma was married to Producer M K Maniswami. He passed away in 2011.
Kaviyoor and Mohanlal acted in around 50 films together. Their chemistry as mother & son has been appreciated by the audience.
On 20 September 2024, Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away at Lisie Hospital in Kochi.