K. R. Vijaya, the renowned Indian actress, boasts an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the vibrant landscape of South Indian cinema, with a remarkable journey that began in the 1960s.
Born in Kerala, K. R. Vijaya spent her early years in the sacred town of Palani, where her father, associated with M.K. Radha's drama troupe, envisioned a future for her in acting, a dream that eventually came to fruition.
Her debut in the 1963 film "Karpagam," directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan, marked the beginning of her career, catapulting her into the limelight and setting the stage for her versatility as an actress.
Throughout her illustrious career, K. R. Vijaya has showcased her talents in Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam language films, amassing an impressive filmography of nearly 400 films, with notable works including "Karpagam," "Selvam," "Saraswathi Sabadham," "Nenchirukkum Varai," and "Namma Veetu Theivam."
She has not only portrayed diverse characters but has also displayed her prowess as a versatile actress, earning the title of "Punnagai Arasi" in Tiruchirapalli in 1973, a testament to her endearing smile, which she credited to her long-time dentist, Dr. Janakiraman.
K. R. Vijaya has worked across various Indian languages, starring in 100 films each in Malayalam and Telugu, a few in Kannada, and even one in Hindi titled "Oonche Log," alongside Rajkumar and Feroz Khan.
Throughout her career, K. R. Vijaya has expressed admiration for actors such as Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, Jai Shankar, and Muthuraman, among others, and holds a special place for actresses like Padmini, Vyjayanthimala, Saroja Devi, and Savithri, whom she considers her favorites.
Beyond the silver screen, K. R. Vijaya has graced the television screens, featuring in the Sun TV teleserial "Raja Rajeswari."
Reflecting on her journey, she remains grateful for the opportunities, experiences, and the privilege of working with exceptional directors, co-stars, and technicians, cherishing the blessings life has bestowed upon her and expressing contentment for a fulfilling career in the world of cinema.
As she continues to act, K. R. Vijaya cherishes the memories of her debut director, K. S. Gopalakrishnan, who directed her in both her first and 100th films, "Nathaiyil Muthu," and the celebratory moments with legends like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and Rajkumar etched indelible marks in her career.
Her enduring passion for acting remains undiminished, a testament to her dedication and love for the craft, making her an iconic figure in the world of South Indian cinema.
