Today, she is the founder of her institute Natyalaya and creator of famous dance-dramas. Her extensive work has helped revive older dance and music forms like Sooladi and Melaprapti. She officially began her career as a movie star with AVM’s ‘Vaazhkai’ in Tamil in 1949, which soon led her on the path to becoming one of the most charismatic leading ladies of her time, in several languages. Her roles in Vanjikottai Vaalibhan, Missiamma, Thaen Nilavu, Nagin, Ganga Jamuna, Jewel Thief, Sangam, are some of her memorable ones.
A woman of varied skill and experience, Vyjayanthimala went on to serve consecutive terms in 1984 and 1989 atthe Lok Sabha, where she used her influence for social good. Given her achievements in diverse realms, Vyjayanthi has been honoured significantly by international and national panels: she is a Padma Shri awardee, as well as the recipient of the State Artist Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Lifetime Achievement Awards at film festivals worldwide, ‘Woman of the Year 2008’ title representing India at the American Biographical Institute among a host of other laurels. For her unmatched legacy in the worlds of art, cultural heritage, social welfare and many other realms, JFW presents Vyjayanthimala the Lifetime Achievement Award 2019.
