Huge crowd outside, Ponnamma couldn’t stop laughing and hugs Lalitha; story behind rare picture

KPAC Lalitha and Kaviyoor Ponnamma are actresses who have beautifully portrayed mother roles in the Malayalam cinema. The two were not only colleagues, but were close friends as well.

It was years ago. The fireworks display as part of the Pooram at the Uthralikavu temple in Wadakkanchery, Thirssur had begun. The picture of the two actresses looking through the window was captured by Kerala Kaumudi photographer Rafi M Devassy. However, now, Kaviyoor Ponnamma is in pain over the loss of her dear friend.

KPAC Lalitha died last night. She had been suffering from liver diseases and was undergoing treatment for a long time. She breathed her last at her son's house in Thripunithura. Numerous actors such as Mohanlal, Mammootty, Dileep, Kavya Madhavan, Navya Nair, Prithviraj, Manju Pillai and Janardhanan had come to pay homage to the actress.

The body was kept at Layam Auditorium in Thripunithura, for the public to pay respects. Her body has been taken to Wadakkanchery. The body will also be kept at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall.

The funeral will be held at the premises of her house at Vadakkanchery by around 5 pm, with state honours. KPAC Lalitha, who acted in over 550 films, had won several prestigious awards including two national awards as supporting actress.