Thiruvananthapuram: Lullabies are even otherwise soothing to the ear, but when a sound filled with deep emotions and inspiration bears it, hearts get touched more, making everlasting memories. ‘Angu Vaana Konilu…’ from the film Ajayante Randam Moshanam (A.R.M.) was one such beautiful lullaby that carried the deep hope and protection that a grandmother wanted to convey to her child through metaphors like the moon and the tortoise.
The exceptional voice that carried this melody to the world belonged to Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, whose music profoundly moved the National Film Awards jury to select her as the Best Female Playback Singer for the year 2024.
Vijayalakshmi stated that she was not aware of the award until a close friend called her from Ernakulam to convey the joyful news. Minutes later, she was swarmed by various media personnel who wanted her comments and to interview her about the major feat. “I did not expect they would announce it so fast, though I had expected the award. Everyone said it is a great song even as I recorded it in the studio. Feeling really blessed and happy today. More so because it is a gentle lullaby, which has now gone into the grand history of Malayalam film songs,” she shared. Yet, as she sang the song, there was nothing in her mind except the ultimate urge to give it her absolute best. “Is it not what the Bhagavad Gita tells us — ‘Ma phaleshu kadachana.’ Don’t expect anything except think of doing your best,” says the singer, who considers her first film song ‘Kaatte Kaatte…’ as her major turning point, although each of the songs she has crooned remains her favorite.
The singer strongly feels there is a vital need for ‘gurutvam’ or deep reverence for the guru to bring out the absolute best in any performing artist. She fondly remembers the traditional dakshina she gave to legendary singer K J Yesudas when she was just five years old and receiving his divine blessings. “I started learning to sing at the tender age of two, but that specific moment was a major milestone. I would also like to remember all those prominent figures who associated with me and encouraged me throughout my career like M Jayachandran Sir, Ousepachan, and others,” she smiled.
മലയാളം ലഘു വിവരണം
‘അജയന്റെ രണ്ടാം മോഷണം’ (എ.ആർ.എം) എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലെ ‘അങ്ങ് വാന കോണില്…’ എന്ന താരാട്ടുപാട്ടിലൂടെ വൈക്കം വിജയലക്ഷ്മി മികച്ച പിന്നണി ഗായികയ്ക്കുള്ള ദേശീയ പുരസ്കാരം സ്വന്തമാക്കി. പുരസ്കാര പ്രഖ്യാപനത്തിൽ ഏറെ സന്തോഷമുണ്ടെന്നും ഫലം പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കാതെ കർമ്മം ചെയ്യുകയെന്ന ഗീതാവചനം മുൻനിർത്തിയാണ് താൻ പാടിയതെന്നും വിജയലക്ഷ്മി പ്രതികരിച്ചു. സംഗീത ജീവിതത്തിൽ ഗുരുത്വത്തിന്റെ പ്രാധാന്യത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും അവർ ഓർമ്മിപ്പിച്ചു.
(With input from MN)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com