S Janaki, nightingale of South India, dies at 88

Veteran playback singer S Janaki died at a private hospital in Mysuru on Saturday due to age-related ailments, news agency PTI reported, citing family sources. She was 88 years old.

According to PTI sources, she developed breathing issues last night and was subsequently admitted to the hospital.

Family statement

Confirming the news, her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, issued a statement on Instagram saying, “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,” the statement read.

To the world, Janaki was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. But to her family, Vydyula said Janaki was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness, and grace would remain with us forever.

The family also requested the family’s privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and come to terms with this loss. “Thank you for your love, prayers, and understanding.”

Who was Janaki?

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.

Janaki was born on 23 April 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 Kannada during her career. Her duets with legends such as P B Srinivas, S P Balasubrahmanyam and Dr Rajkumar are considered evergreen hits.

Fans in Karnataka called her "Gaana Kogile". She also sang songs 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.

‘World of music fallen silent’: Shivakumar

Expressing shock over Janaki's death, Chief Minister D K 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.