Asia's First Woman Cinematographer Conquers New Frontier as Writer-Producer

BR Vijaylakshmi, the pioneering cinematographer who broke barriers in the male-dominated Indian film industry, is now venturing into Hindi television as a writer and co-producer. Vijaylakshmi, the daughter of legendary filmmaker BR Panthulu, is spearheading the new show "Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahi" (MKHYN), which she describes as a "fresh, youthful love story" that is both contemporary and emotionally layered.

Vijaylakshmi's journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by her determination to prove her capabilities. In the 1980s, when she was studying interior design, a renowned cinematographer encouraged her to join him as an assistant. Within a year, Vijaylakshmi realized her true passion was cinematography, and she went on to become Asia's first woman cinematographer, working on 22 films until 1996.

However, Vijaylakshmi faced early challenges, including a producer's remark that he "didn't think a woman could shoot a film alone." But she persevered, substituting for her mentor on a Rajinikanth film, where the legendary actor treated her presence as a woman cinematographer as completely normal. Vijaylakshmi's hard work and talent gradually earned her recognition, and she began shooting films independently, breaking down barriers in the industry.

Now, as she embarks on a new chapter as a writer-producer, Vijaylakshmi is bringing her storytelling expertise to the small screen, aiming to captivate audiences with a "romance with family drama" that resonates with the contemporary viewer.