From the film Sivaji: The Boss , the song featuring Lakshmi and Rajinikanth is a fan favorite. While it is a song picturized on the lead pair, Lakshmi’s graceful presence in the family portions of the video generates nostalgic comments about "classic beauty."

But it was the 1970s that truly belonged to her. Unlike many actresses who faded after a few years, Lakshmi successfully transitioned from romantic leads to powerful character roles, eventually producing and starring in the iconic Malayalam film Chattakkari (1974), which she remade in Tamil as Julie (1975).

Lakshmi’s recent resurgence on social media is not accidental. Unlike many actresses of her era, she carries a . When she appears on Tamil talk shows, her witty retorts and sharp memory for old film stories generate millions of views. She represents an era where actresses had to be beautiful, skilled, and intelligent to survive a male-dominated industry.

She became a household name following the success of the Malayalam film Chattakari (1974). This led to her iconic Bollywood debut in (1975), which turned her into a national sensation.