B. R Vijayalakshmi
Asia First Female Cinematographer
B. R Vijayalaskhmi is heralded as Asia’s first women cinematographer. Born to B. R Panthulu, Director and Producer of South Indian films, she is credited with having worked on 22 feature films assuming the roles of both producer and director. She is currently the creative head of Saregama (South TV & Films) and is the business head of the T.V software division of the company. Abhiyude Kadha Anuvinteyum and Abiyum Anuvum, a bilingual romantic drama are her latest movies.
Career
She was pursuing a cinematography course in film school. It was on the persuasion of Ashok Kumar, an Indian cinematographer who mostly worked in South Indian film industry, who advised her to gain practical experience before she ventured into the film industry. She went on to working with him as a camera assistant for three years. She was previously an interior designer.
Her independent debut as a cinematographer came on the release of K. Bhagyaraj’s Chinna Veduin 1985, making her Asia’s first woman cinematographer. Not only has she directed but has also written two films “Daddy” (1992) and Pattu Padava (1995). She has worked on various television serials such as Vasantham Colony that was created for children. She then went on to work on series like Maya Machindra and Velan.
It was in September 2005 that she was named the business head of the TV Software Division of Saregama, a prominent Indian music company. She was previously appointed as their creative head.
She was honoured by the Indian Women Cinematographers Collective in 2017. She affirms that this award has been one of her more cherished achievements till date. She has cited the growing popularity of the collective to female newcomers in the film industry.
She has been praised for her pioneering and ground-breaking work in Indian cinema and television. After the birth of her son, she decided to devote her time to take care of her son but soon came back with projects that involved her in the television industry where she is presently active.
Legacy
B. R Vijayalakshmi continued to participate in both television and film as a writer, director and producer post the birth of her son. Her portfolio includes many commercial films and she has ventured into the industry of parallel cinema that emerged as an alternative to commercial and mainstream films in India known for its realism and naturalism. She prides herself in her mastery over direction and camera She is known to have convinced Seetha Parthiban for the main role of her television serial “Velan”.
Seetha has sought an self-imposed hiatus from the television screen to bring up her three children shying away from acting. As Vijayalakshmi, who too, understood the complexities of motherhood and the challenges it poses for one’s career persuaded Seetha to make a return to the screen. Vijayalakshmi made her that a schedule was prepared keeping in mind her own challenges as a mother. One that Seetha has publicly applauded and appreciated. This shows the growing solidarity seen among women in the film industry. Women are now making spaces for their contemporaries by allowing work spaces to be created keeping in mind the challenges that women are to navigate through given the demands that society place on them as career women and mothers.
Vijayalakshmi has been praised for her professionalism. And her contemporaries have admired her astute skill and understanding disposition that she has managed to couple with her ambitious work ethic that she has held from the beginning work career.
While most directors and cinematographers are complimented for their work and accolades. Her return to direction poses us with a different view that one sees in the male-dominated industry of film. Many women find it difficult to make a name for themselves as opportunities tend to be scarce. Her comradeship and encouragement has applauded by many in the industry. She presents us with a gender friendly view of the film industry encouraging female directors, cinematographers that remain behind-the-scenes to explore the opportunities that are now present for them. Herself being one of the figures that are trying to make this change.
She is an active supporter of women in cinema and is proud of the newer entries that she sees in the world of film. She also encourages more women to step into the fields of direction as she believes there are ample opportunities for women to showcase their talent mentioning the Indian Women Cinematographers’ Collective as one such organisation that has previously honoured her work.
