Legendary playback singer S Janaki dies at 88, Karnataka to accord state honours
The 'Nightingale of South India', who recorded over 48,000 songs in nearly 20 Indian languages during a six-decade career, died due to age-related ailments in Mysuru
Veteran playback singer S Janaki died at a private hospital in Mysuru on Saturday (July 11) due to age-related ailments, family sources said. She was 88 years old. According to sources, she developed breathing issues on Friday night and was subsequently admitted to the hospital.
Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, stated in a release that Janaki was declared dead at 7.30 pm. "Janaki was admitted at 12:49 pm. On admission, her condition was critical, and she was immediately evaluated and shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further management. Despite intensive medical care and continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary team, she suffered a cardiac arrest during the course of treatment," it said.
Leaves behind musical legacy
Known for her versatility, Janaki recorded over 48,000 songs in multiple languages, predominantly the South Indian languages of Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Over a career spanning six decades, she sang for films, albums, television and radio in about 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.
Sharing the news on behalf of the family, her granddaughter Apsara Vydyula, in an Instagram post, said, "It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt S Janaki."
"She left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music," she said.
"To the world, she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness and grace will remain with us forever. We kindly request that you respect our family's privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and come to terms with this loss," she said, thanking everyone for their love, prayers and understanding.
Nightingale of South India
Janaki was born on April 23, 1938, in Pallapatla, Guntur, in Andhra Pradesh. Fondly known as "Janaki amma" among her disciples and followers, she was regarded as the "Nightingale of South India".
Janaki began her singing career with the Tamil film 'Vidhiyin Vilayattu' (1957) at the age of 19. Though she was highly popular in other South Indian languages, Janaki is said to have sung the most songs in her career in Kannada. Her duets with legends such as PB Srinivas, SP Balasubrahmanyam and Dr Rajkumar are considered evergreen hits. Fans in Karnataka called her "Gaana Kogile". She also sang in English, Japanese, German and Sinhala.
Janaki won four National Film Awards and 33 different state film awards. She received an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore, the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government, and the Rajyotsava Prashasti from the Government of Karnataka.
In 2013, she refused to accept the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of the Government of India, saying it came too late. Janaki had also expressed that she deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for her contributions to music.
Plain white or uncoloured sarees and a simple, elegant style remained her signature look for a long time, following the passing of her husband, V Ramprasad, in 1997. Her son, Murali Krishna, passed away on January 22 this year.
Karnataka accords state honours
Expressing shock over Janaki's death, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in a post on X, said, "Through her golden voice, Janaki Amma had found a place in the hearts and homes of millions. With the demise of this multilingual singing legend, the world of music has fallen silent with the loss of one of its most melodious voices."
"A mentor who encouraged and nurtured many singers, and the very embodiment of simplicity, Janaki Amma's unparalleled voice will remain immortal in the cultural heritage of Karnataka forever," he added.
According to the chief minister's office, Shivakumar spoke to Janaki's family members over the phone and expressed his condolences. He directed that the singer's last rites be conducted with full state honours. Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has been deputed to represent the Karnataka government at the funeral, it said.
Final farewell in Mysuru
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to officials and family members, and that Janaki's mortal remains would be placed at Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru city on Sunday morning for the public to pay their last respects.
Stating that Janaki had expressed a desire for her last rites to be held in Mysuru, he said that, according to the family, the rites would take place at a farm in Kaniyanahundi village in Mysuru, and all arrangements would be made there. The family will decide the timing of the last rites.
A large number of members of the public, fans and some political leaders, including Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and JD(S) MLA GT Deve Gowda, gathered at the hospital as news of Janaki's passing broke.
(With agency inputs)