'My Ponnu aunty,' Urvashi reflects on her bond with late veteran actor Kaviyoor Ponnamma
Malyalam actor Urvashi fondly recalls the countless films she shared with the late veteran actor Kaviyoor Ponnamma. For Urvashi, Ponnamma was not just a co-star; she was a source of strength and support throughout her journey in the industry. As she reflects on her early days in film, Urvashi shares heartfelt memories of her 'Ponnu aunty' and the kindness and guidance she provided in her life.
"I’ve always called her ‘Ponnu aunty’. She used to call me ‘Podi mol’. I can't recall how many movies we acted in together. Kaviyoor Ponnamma, KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari, Philomena, and Meena - one of these 'movie mothers' was in nearly every film I did. It would be easier to count the movies I made without them. These actresses were my strength and support, always ready to stand up for me," says Urvashi. She also mentions that these actress mothers were closer to her parents than to her.
Urvashi reminisces about entering the film industry as a small child, with her mother accompanying her to the set. However, later on, her mother would only join her if her movie mothers were not present, "as she knew I was safe with them," says the actress. "Ponnu aunty showed the same affection and nobility in life as she did in her films. Despite spending long periods alone in her home in Chennai, she never let loneliness affect her. She embraced all of us as her own family, ensuring she was never alone. Just telling a small joke would make her laugh so hard her whole body would shake. I loved teasing her just to see that."
Urvashi remmebrs Ponnamma getting angry just once. "One morning, I arrived at the location of a Malayalam film to find that breakfast had ended. When I told her I was hungry, she quickly brought me four dosas with chutney. Just as I finished eating, the production manager approached, frustrated and asking if I was ready for shooting yet. He complained about the difficulties of working with child actors, saying they required constant attention. Hearing this, an upset Ponnu aunty erupted in defence. 'Urvashi is one of the busiest heroines in Malayalam cinema. It’s your responsibility to provide for her,' she insisted." Urvashi remembers Ponnamma being upset with her as well when she tried to comfort her.
"Later that night, I went to check on her after filming to see if her anger had subsided. I asked why she had been so upset. She replied, 'Everyone will try to take advantage of a vulnerable person, so you mustn’t let that happen,' she said." According to Urvashi, Ponnamma advised her to choose diverse roles in her career, and Urvashi says this guidance has shaped her journey in the film industry ever since.