Malayalam playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi has received her first National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Angu Vaana Konilu” from Ajayante Randam Moshanam (A.R.M.).
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. The awards recognise achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.
Vijayalakshmi’s recognition was announced in July, when the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were revealed. The official list from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting names her as the Best Female Playback Singer for “Angu Vaana Konilu” from the Malayalam film A.R.M.
Recognition for ‘Angu Vaana Konilu’
A.R.M., starring Tovino Thomas, was released in 2024. The award-winning song was composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, with lyrics by Manu Manjith, according to reports following the award announcement.
The song became the work that brought Vijayalakshmi her maiden National Film Award after years in playback singing.
The singer reacted with surprise and happiness when the award was announced in July. Reports at the time said she learned of the honour through a friend and had not been given advance confirmation of the result.
A career spanning Malayalam and other Indian cinema
Vijayalakshmi entered the Malayalam playback singing scene more than a decade ago and subsequently worked across South Indian film industries.
Her earlier recognition included a Kerala State Film Award-related honour for the song “Kaatte Kaatte” from Celluloid. She also became known to Tamil audiences through songs in films including Cuckoo and Veera Sivaji.
Her musical career has also included performances and work with established musicians and playback singers. In an August 2026 interview with The New Indian Express, Vijayalakshmi discussed her musical development, her childhood influences and her work in cinema.
National Film Awards ceremony
The 72nd National Film Awards honoured Indian cinema for productions from 2024. The winners were announced on July 18, 2026, while the formal presentation took place on September 22 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
Alongside Vijayalakshmi’s recognition, the ceremony honoured artists and films across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. President Murmu congratulated the award winners and highlighted the contribution of filmmaking teams to India’s diverse cinema landscape.
For Vijayalakshmi, the presentation marked the formal culmination of a recognition first announced in July: a National Film Award for her performance of “Angu Vaana Konilu”.
Who is Vaikom Vijayalakshmi?
Vaikom Vijayalakshmi is a Malayalam playback singer who has also worked across other South Indian film industries.
Which National Film Award did Vaikom Vijayalakshmi win?
She won the Best Female Playback Singer award at the 72nd National Film Awards for “Angu Vaana Konilu.”
Which film features the award-winning song?
“Angu Vaana Konilu” is from the Malayalam film Ajayante Randam Moshanam (A.R.M.).
When did Vaikom Vijayalakshmi receive the award?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat.
Is this Vaikom Vijayalakshmi’s first National Film Award?
Yes. Reports on the award describe it as her maiden National Film Award.
Who composed “Angu Vaana Konilu”?
The music was composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas, while Manu Manjith wrote the lyrics.
