National Award Winner: Voice of Resilience

Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, a recent recipient of the National Award for Best Female Playback Singer, has a life story defined by overcoming adversity. Her award was for the song "Angu Vaana Konilu" from the film Ajayante Randam Moshanam.

Vijayalakshmi, who has been visually impaired since birth, shared her experiences with insensitive encounters from strangers. She expressed frustration over people testing her awareness of their presence by voice, stating her dislike for such assumptions.

Her journey into professional singing began at a young age, supported by her parents. Music became a primary way she experienced the world. She also explored treatments for her blindness, including a trip to the US in 2019, though interrupted by the pandemic.

Beyond her professional achievements, Vijayalakshmi made the independent decision to leave her marriage. She cited her former husband's restrictions on her singing hours and lack of support for her music as reasons for the separation.

Her National Award celebrates not just her singing talent, but her broader narrative of navigating life with a disability, asserting independence, and breaking down barriers.