Kaviyoor Ponnamma was a beloved Indian actress known for her significant contributions to Malayalam cinema. She was born on September 10, 1945, in the village of Kaviyoor, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Sadly, she passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 79. Her life and career left a lasting impact on the film industry, and she is remembered for her powerful performances, particularly in maternal roles.
Early Life
Kaviyoor Ponnamma was born to T.P. Damodharan and Gauri Damodharan. She was the eldest of seven children. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in the arts. At just five years old, she began learning classical music. This early exposure to music led her to perform in various stage shows as a singer.
Ponnamma's acting journey began when she was only 14 years old. She made her debut in theater with a play called Mooladhanam, written by Thoppil Bhasi. This experience ignited her passion for acting and set the stage for her future career in films.
Kaviyoor Ponnamma Age, Wikipeda, Biography, Death Reason, Movies, Husband, Daughter, Family
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaviyoor Ponnamma |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India |
| Date of Death | September 20, 2024 |
| Age at Death | 79 years |
| 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 (married in 1969; passed away in 2011) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Bindhu Maniswami, residing 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 Background | Parents: T.P. Damodharan and Gauri Damodharan |
| Siblings | Kaviyoor Renuka (sister, deceased) |
| Height | 5’ 2” (158 cm) |
| Weight | 74 kg (163 lbs) |
Career Beginnings
Ponnamma transitioned to cinema in 1964 with her first film, Kudumbini. In this movie, she played the title role of a mother to two children. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over six decades. Throughout her life, Ponnamma acted in more than 700 films and became known as the "Mother to all actors" in Malayalam cinema.
Her ability to portray maternal figures resonated with audiences. She often played the mother of many leading actors, including Mohanlal and Mammootty. Her performances were characterized by warmth and authenticity, making her a household name.
Notable Films
Kaviyoor Ponnamma starred in many notable films during her career. Some of her most acclaimed works include:
- Nirmalyam (1973)
- Oru Penninte Katha (1971)
- Manichitrathazhu (1993)
- Vadakkumnathan (2006)
- Nandanam (2002)
She received several awards for her performances, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress multiple times—in 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1994. These accolades reflect her talent and dedication to her craft.
Ponnamma's collaborations with prominent actors like Mohanlal were particularly cherished by fans. Their on-screen chemistry created memorable moments in films like Thanmatra and Balettan.
Personal Life
In 1969, Kaviyoor Ponnamma married M.K. Maniswami, a film producer. Together they had one daughter named Bindhu Maniswami. Bindhu currently lives in the United States with her family. Ponnamma often expressed pride in her daughter's accomplishments, even though Bindhu chose to stay away from the film industry.
Ponnamma's husband passed away in 2011, which was a difficult time for her family. Despite personal challenges, she continued to work in films and television until health issues forced her to retire from acting.
Later Career
Ponnamma's last film appearance was in 2022. Before that, she appeared in several films like Oppam (2016) and Thoppil Joppan (2016). Her final years were marked by health struggles, but she remained an influential figure in the industry until her passing.
Throughout her career, Ponnamma also participated in television serials and commercials. She was involved in various cultural activities within Kerala and was respected for her contributions beyond acting.
Legacy
Kaviyoor Ponnamma's legacy is deeply rooted in Malayalam cinema. She is often referred to as "Mohanlal's Mother" due to her frequent roles as his mother on screen. Her image as a comforting mother figure dressed in a white saree is etched in the memories of many fans.
Her impact on the industry is significant; she helped shape the portrayal of women in cinema during a time when such roles were often limited. Ponnamma's ability to convey deep emotions through her performances made her an icon among audiences.
In recognition of her contributions, many fans and peers have expressed their admiration since her passing on September 20, 2024. Her work continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaviyoor Ponnamma
1. Who was Kaviyoor Ponnamma?
Kaviyoor Ponnamma was a renowned Indian actress known for her roles in Malayalam cinema. She was celebrated for portraying maternal figures and had a career spanning over six decades.
2. When Was Kaviyoor Ponnamma Born?
She was born on September 10, 1945, in Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India.
3. When did Kaviyoor Ponnamma Pass Away?
Kaviyoor Ponnamma passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 79.
4. How Many Films did Kaviyoor Ponnamma Act in?
Throughout her career, she acted in over 700 films, making her one of the most prolific actresses in Malayalam cinema.
5. What Were Some of her Notable Films?
Some of her notable films include:
- Nirmalyam (1973)
- Manichitrathazhu (1993)
- Vadakkumnathan (2006)
- Nandanam (2002)