Veteran playback singer S Janaki, one of the most revered voices in South Indian cinema and affectionately known as the Nightingale of South India, died on Saturday at the age of 88. She passed away at Apollo Hospital in Mysuru after suffering from age-related ailments, including respiratory complications and cardiac issues.
Born Sistla Sreeramamurthy Janaki on April 23, 1938, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, she launched her career in 1957 with the Tamil film Vidhiyin Vilayattu. Over more than six decades, she recorded over 48,000 songs across more than 20 languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and several others. Her exceptional vocal versatility allowed her to perform in a wide range of styles and for characters of varying ages, earning her the title Queen of Expressions.
Janaki collaborated with legendary composers such as Ilaiyaraaja, A.R. Rahman, M.S. Viswanathan, and Rajan-Nagendra, creating numerous timeless hits that have become staples of Indian film music. She won four National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer along with 33 state film awards from different regions.
In 2013, she declined the Padma Bhushan award, stating that it had come too late after her long career and highlighting the need for greater recognition for South Indian artists. She largely retired from active recording around 2017, with her final major contribution being a Malayalam lullaby.
Her passing has drawn widespread tributes from the film fraternity. Actor Rajinikanth expressed condolences, praising her voice that had delighted generations. Chiranjeevi posted that the news of Janakamma garu’s passing had deeply shaken his heart. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and other industry figures also mourned the loss, describing her as an irreplaceable talent whose songs would continue to resonate with audiences.
Janaki is survived by her family. Her son, Murali Krishna, had passed away earlier this year in January.
Her extensive body of work across South Indian and other languages stands as a lasting testament to her artistry, ensuring that her voice will remain an enduring part of Indian music history for generations to come.
