Koka Vijayalakshmi

Koka Vijayalakshmi born to Koka Radha Krishna Murthy and Sambrajyam, who had great love for fine arts was initiated into dance at the age of five years under Guru Kaza Venkata Subrahmanyam, disciple of late Guru Padma Bhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. An Empanelled Artiste of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), Koka Vijayalakshmi took part in many Festivals of India held abroad, and has over 1000 performances to her credit.

A Doordarshan Graded Artiste, Koka Vijayalakshmi, to promote dance in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad, Telangana, started the Sri Koka Radha Krishna Murthy Academy in memory of her father. This Academy undertakes to promote the Rich Indian Culture & Heritage through Indian fine arts in both Telugu-speaking States.

She has choreographed dance ballets with social thematic and innovative presentations. Some of them are: Mélange of Dances (A Combination of Kuchipudi & French Contemporary Dance),Telugu Prasasti (Based on 3000 years old history and antiquity of Telugu Language), Mahakavi Sri Sri (A tribute to the Legendary poet through dance on his Centenary celebration), Raitu Raayala Swarna Charitam (A tribute to the legendary King Sri Krishnadevaraya), Annamayya Pada Manjeeranaadam (A garland of Annamayya Kritis), Buddham Saranam Gachami (Life of Lord Buddha and his Preaching), Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (Krishna Leelas), Andhram (Glory of Tourism in Andhra Pradesh), Amaravathi Prasasti (The History of Amaravathi through the ages), Telangana Bharathi (A Tribute to the Stalwarts of Telangana), Sarvargna Singabhupala (A tale from the history of Rachakonda Kings and their dynasty). 

Vijayalakshmi, who has a passion of designing Dance Costumes and Jewellery, was bestowed with two Nandi awards in 2011. Many dance gurus across the globe seek her assistance in costume designing. Some of the other awards bestowed on her include Ugadi Puraskaram (2012) from Government of Andhra Pradesh, Natya Bharathi (2019) from TAM, Guruprasad Excellency Award (2019), Navaratna Mahila Puraskaram (2016), Natya Sevasiromani (2015), Gurajada Award (2015), Pratibha Puraskar (2014), Viswasanthi Gaurava Puraskaram (2013), Natya Praveena (2010), Natya Visarada (2010), 2 Artiste Golden Award (2006), Abhinaya Best Youth Dancer-2006, Natya Mayuri (2003), Certificate of Excellence from various organizations from abroad and India and secured two Guinness World Records (2008, 2012). 

She has performed in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Oman, Kuwait and Thailand. Vijayalakshmi is a Science graduate and holds M.A. (Kuchipudi dance) from PST University, Hyderabad and a M. Phil. (Tourism Management) and is now pursuing Ph. D. in Dance from University of Hyderabad. 

Vijayalakshmi has also released a rare book “Bhogini Dandakam” written by Sri Bammera Pothana and five Dance ballets in 2011 titled, Telugu Samskruti Sourabhalu. She is also founder secretary of Bharata Rangasthali Academy of Fine Arts.