‘ARM’ singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi celebrates National Award win; says, ‘Uyarnnu Vaa always fills me with strength’
Playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 72nd National Film Awards. She received the recognition for her rendition of ‘Angu Vaana Konilu’ from the Tovino Thomas starrer ‘ARM’. Dhibu Ninan Thomas composed the music, and Manu Manjith penned the lyrics. Soon after the announcement, Vijayalakshmi shared her happiness and opened up about her personal connection to the song.She told Maathrubhumi, “The very song that inspired me has won me the National Award. I am immensely happy.”The singer explained that the lyrics have always encouraged her to overcome life’s challenges and helped her continue moving forward with confidence. She added, “The lyrics ‘Uyarnnu Vaa… Uyarnnu Vaa… Break every barrier and rise… Conquer the world and rise…’ always fill me with the strength to move forward. I, too, have overcome countless obstacles to reach where I am today.”
Vaikom Vijayalakshmi expresses gratitude
Following her National Award win Vijayalakshmi offered prayers of gratitude and thanked Vaikathappan, Adi Parashakti, and her family’s presiding deity for blessing her with the achievement. The singer described the recognition as a memorable milestone in her musical journey. She also acknowledged composer Dhibu Ninan Thomas for creating the award-winning song.She said, “I love this song. But for me, nothing can surpass ‘Kaatte Kaatte…’, the song from Celluloid that gave me my first opportunity in cinema. I also hope to work with maestros Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman someday.”
Mammootty’s win makes the moment even more special
Apart from celebrating her own success, Vijayalakshmi expressed happiness over Mammootty receiving the Best Actor award at the National Film Awards for ‘Bramayugam’.She said the achievements of two artistes from Vaikom made the occasion even more memorable and revealed that she tried reaching out to the veteran actor after the announcement.Sharing her excitement, she said, “I was delighted to learn that Mammookka (Mammootty) has also won the National Award for Best Actor. It made me think of the pride of two people from Vaikom receiving national honours. I tried calling him, but couldn’t get through. I want to share my happiness with him and congratulate him.”Apart from being an accomplished playback singer, she is also known for her skill in playing the rare Gayathri Veena. Throughout her career, she has recorded more than 200 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Sanskrit. The National Award victory also brought celebrations for the entire ARM team. Director Jithin Laal shared an emotional note on social media. His post read, “Proud moment for the entire ARM family. ‘ARM’ shines at the 72nd National Film Awards as Vaikom Vijayalakshmi receives the Best Female Playback Singer award for “Angu Vaana Konilu.” Heartfelt congratulations to Vaikom Vijayalakshmi chechi, and sincere thanks to Dhibu Ninan Thomas, Manu Manjith, Sujith nambiar, the producers, the entire music department, and every member of the ARM team.”
