K. R. Vijaya Biography: Wife, Movies, Age, Net Worth, Family, Nationality

K. R. Vijaya, commonly known as Deivanayaki, is a distinguished Indian actress renowned for her contributions to Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada cinema.

She debuted in 1963 with Karpagam and has since appeared in over 500 films across multiple languages. Revered as “Punnagai Arasi” (Queen of Smiles), she has received numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and various state honors.

Known for her performances in mythological films, she has also significantly impacted television.

Profile

• Full Name: Deivanayaki
• Stage Name: K. R. Vijaya
• Born: November 30 1948
• Age: 76 years old
• Birthplace: Thiruvananthapuram, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian actress
• Height: 1.65m
• Parent(s): Ramachandran Naira ,Kalyani
• Siblings: K. R. Savithri, K.R. Vatsala
• Spouse: Velayutha Nair (m. 1966–2016)
• Children: Hemalatha
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Deivanayaki was born on November 30, 1948, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. She was born to Ramachandra Nair and Kalyani.

Her father served in the army before transitioning to acting in M. R. Radha’s drama troupe. She has a younger brother, Narayanan, and four younger sisters: K. R. Vatsala, K. R. Savithri, Sashikala, and Radha.

She pursued her primary education at the Government Higher Secondary School in Adyar, Chennai. She belongs to a Malayali background and follows Hinduism.

Career

Vijaya debuted as a leading actress in Karpagam (1963), marking the beginning of a prolific career in Indian cinema.

Over the years, she delivered remarkable performances in films such as Idhaya Kamalam (1965), Odayil Ninnu (1965), Saraswathi Sabatham (1966), Selvam (1966), Nenjirukkum Varai (1967), Iru Malargal (1967), Namma Veettu Deivam (1970), Dheerga Sumangali (1974), Thangappathakkam (1974), Thirisoolam (1979), and Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove (1984).

In 1967, she achieved a rare feat by starring in 18 films and embracing motherhood in the same year.

Recognized for her radiant smile, her fans honored her with the title “Punnagai Arasi” (Queen of Smiles) at a special event in Trichy.

Renowned for her divine screen presence, Vijaya became the preferred choice for portraying Hindu goddesses in films.

She notably played Goddess Shakti in Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal (1986), Mariamman in Mahasakthi Mariamman (1986), and had an impactful role in Kandhan Karunai (1967).

She fondly remembers K. S. Gopalakrishnan, the director who gave her first break and later directed her milestone 100th film, Nathayil Muthu (1973).

Her versatility extended beyond cinema, as she made a mark in television with performances in teleserials like Raja Rajeswari and Kudumbam.

Even after decades in the industry, Vijaya continued to captivate audiences with her mythological portrayals. She made a notable return to the genre with Sri Rama Rajyam (2011), where she portrayed Kausalya in Bapu’s grand mythological production.

With a career spanning over 500 films across multiple languages, Vijaya remains one of the most revered actresses in South Indian cinema.

Social Media
Instagram handle: @.kr.vijaya.

Personal Life
K. R. Vijaya is currently single and was previously married to Madathil Velayuthan, a businessman and film producer. The couple wed in 1966, and Velayuthan passed away on March 26, 2016. They have one daughter, Hemalatha, who was born in 1967.

Filmography

• Karpagam (1963)
• Selvam (1966)
• Saraswathi Sabatham (1966)
• Nenjirukkum Varai (1967)
• Iru Malargal (1967)
• Namma Veetu Theivam (1970)
• Dheerga Sumangali (1974)
• Thangapathakkam (1974)
• Oonche Log (1965)
• Chakra (2021)
• 143 (2017)
• Rayar Parambarai (2023)
• Moothakudi (2023)
• Konjam Kadhal Konjam Modhal (2025)

Net Worth

K. R. Vijaya’s net worth and financial status are not publicly disclosed; however, her primary sources of income stem from her illustrious career in South Indian cinema, which spans over six decades.

She has acted in over 500 films across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada languages, as well as in television serials. Specific details regarding her financial standing remain undisclosed.