NEW DELHI — Visually impaired singer-songwriter Vaikom Vijayalakshmi has secured her first National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer at the 72nd National Film Awards, recognizing her soulful rendition of “Angu Vaana Konilu” from the 2024 Malayalam hit Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM).
Feature Film Jury Chairman Jayaraj highlighted that Vijayalakshmi’s performance emerged triumphant from a competitive shortlist featuring prominent vocalists, including Shreya Ghoshal. The victory comes more than a decade after her professional debut, affirming her position as one of Malayalam cinema’s most distinctive vocalists.
Overcoming Limitations Through Music
Blind since birth due to optic nerve damage, Vijayalakshmi mastered over 100 classical ragas purely through auditory training under her father’s guidance. She delivered her first stage performance at age six and later mastered the rare single-string Gayathri Veena.
Her playback career launched in 2013 with “Katte Katte” in director Kamal’s Celluloid. She previously earned the Kerala State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for “Ottaykku Paadunna” in Nadan.
Reflecting on the milestone, Vijayalakshmi quoted the classic Malayalam cinema line—“Everything has its own time”—expressing gratitude to composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas, lyricist Manu Manjith, and her audience.
Production & Cultural Impact
Composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas as a grandmother’s narrative lullaby, “Angu Vaana Konilu” gained widespread acclaim across South India. Despite missing out at state-level awards, the production team’s confidence in its national resonance was vindicated by the jury’s selection.
The 72nd National Film Awards also saw fellow Vaikom native Mammootty claim Best Actor for Bramayugam, marking a historic dual celebration for the town.
