Singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi is winning applause beyond Malayalam, gaining recognition in other languages as well. She shared her happiness after receiving a state award from Tamil Nadu, excited on accepting the Tamil Nadu government’s film award for the first time. After Chithra and Sujatha, Vijayalakshmi is among the few singers widely accepted across languages. Her voice has been enjoyed by audiences in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Sanskrit. The Tamil Nadu award came her way for the song “Aaravalli” from the film Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran.

“I couldn’t attend the award ceremony that day due to a busy schedule of music programs. The very next day, my parents and I planned to go to Chennai to receive the award. This is my first recognition from another language, so the joy is even greater,” she says. Her song from Prakambanam, which was well received in theatres and on OTT platforms alike, has also recently made it to the hit list. Having sung over 450 devotional songs and more than 200 film songs, Vijayalakshmi’s musical journey is filled with lots of milestones.

“I began learning music at the age of five and a half. My journey started in 1986 when I offered gurudakshina to Dasettan. The first song I sang for him was in the Kalyani raga. The bond with him continues even today. He sings keerthanas for me over the phone and teaches me ragas. He has an affectionate, fatherly love for me. My grounding in classical music helps me sing with ease. Clarity of words and proper pronunciation are very important. I love Balamurali sir’s ‘Pahiramaprabho.’ I listen to it every night before sleeping—it has become a habit. I also listen to ashtapadi, sopana sangeetham, and kathakali padams. I am especially fond of songs by Ilaiyaraaja sir and MSV sir. Janaki amma, Vani amma, SPB sir—these artists have greatly influenced me. Among my own songs, my favourite is ‘Kaate Kaate’ from my debut film Celluloid. I remain grateful to composer M. Jayachandran sir for that song.”

“My parents recognised my talent and guided me into the world of music. They are singers too. From a very young age, they made sure I practiced regularly. They are my eyes, my strength, and my support. They are always with me in every situation. I was born on Vijayadashami, and my grandmother Sarojini amma named me Vijayalakshmi. I am a strong believer in God. There isn’t a moment when I don’t pray to Vaikathappan and Nagachamundeswari Devi. I have had many inner callings. During difficult times in my married life, it was God who stood by me. My divorce was entirely my own decision.

There were false rumours at one point claiming that I had regained my eyesight. Such gossip makes me angry. That is the one dream I long for—to see Vaikathappan, the Goddess, and my parents. They are the ones who made me who I am. My parents are also my closest companions; I don’t even like to argue with them, even jokingly. My wish is to sing many more good songs, to continue learning music without interruption. My parents always say that if I keep practicing sincerely, opportunities will come on their own.”