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Malayalam Cinema's Marilyn Monroe: Tragic Young Star's Untold Story
24 Aug
Summary
- Vijayasree debuted at 13, becoming a Malayalam cinema sensation.
- She was hailed as the 'Marilyn Monroe of Malayalam cinema'.
- She died by suicide at 21, leaving behind unanswered questions.
Vijayasree, a radiant talent, began her film career at the tender age of 13, appearing in the 1966 Tamil film 'Chitti'. Her striking beauty quickly propelled her to stardom in Malayalam cinema, where she became a sought-after actress. Often likened to Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe, she was celebrated for her captivating presence and successful on-screen chemistry with Prem Nazir.
Despite her immense popularity, Vijayasree reportedly felt discomfort with the 'sex symbol' image the industry often imposed on her. She began to choose roles aiming to showcase a different facet of her acting abilities. However, a controversial scene in the 1973 film 'Ponnapuram Kotta' reportedly caused her significant distress.
Tragically, at just 21 years old, Vijayasree died by suicide on March 17, 1974. The circumstances surrounding her death remain a subject of discussion, with some linking it to the pressures of her career and the 'Ponnapuram Kotta' incident, while others point to personal struggles.
Years later, her life story inspired the 2011 film 'Nayika', directed by Jayaraj, further cementing her place in cinematic history.
