New Delhi/Mysuru, July 12 (ANI): India bid farewell to one of its greatest musical icons as legendary playback singer S. Janaki, affectionately known as the “Nightingale of South India,” passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru on Saturday, marking the end of an extraordinary era in Indian music.
Janaki died at Apollo BGS Hospital after suffering age-related health complications. According to the hospital, she was admitted on July 11 after her condition deteriorated. Despite intensive treatment and continuous monitoring by a multidisciplinary medical team, she suffered multiple cardiac arrests and was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.
Born on April 23, 1938, Janaki enjoyed an illustrious career spanning more than six decades, recording over 48,000 songs in more than 20 Indian languages. Renowned for her remarkable versatility and expressive voice, she captivated audiences across generations with film songs, classical compositions, devotional hymns and folk music. Her exceptional contribution to Indian music earned her numerous National and State awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tribute, describing her passing as “an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture.”
“The passing of the distinguished playback singer S. Janaki Amma is an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture. Her songs in various languages were popular across generations. They gave voice to every emotion with unparalleled grace and versatility. Her melodies will continue to enchant listeners in the years to come,” the Prime Minister said, extending his condolences to her family, admirers and the music fraternity.
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan described Janaki’s death as “an irreparable loss to the world of music and to the nation’s artistic heritage.”
He praised her uniquely expressive voice and extraordinary versatility, noting that she enthralled audiences for over sixty years with thousands of songs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and several other languages. He said her mastery of classical, devotional and folk music left an indelible mark on Indian culture and that her legacy would continue to inspire generations of artists and music lovers.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed profound sorrow over the loss of the legendary singer, fondly remembered in Karnataka as “Gaana Kogile.”
“As long as the Kannada language exists, S. Janaki’s songs will remain immortal. We grew up listening to Kannada songs in her voice. She infused sweetness into the beauty of Kannada,” he said.
Recalling her simplicity and lifelong contribution to music, Shivakumar said Janaki’s unparalleled voice would forever remain part of Karnataka’s cultural heritage.
“Though she hailed from Andhra Pradesh, her love for Kannada brought her to settle in Mysuru. She sang more than 48,000 songs in over 20 languages. With Janakamma’s demise, one of the greatest melodies of Indian music has fallen silent,” he added.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy remembered Janaki as one of India’s brightest musical stars.
“Her timeless voice transcended generations, touching millions of hearts across languages. Indian music has lost one of its brightest stars, but her melodies will live on forever,” he said.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) called her passing an irreplaceable loss to Indian cinema and the music world.
“With her mellifluous voice she could express every human emotion. For nearly six decades she enthralled Indians by singing thousands of songs in numerous languages. Though she is no longer with us physically, her songs will continue to captivate us forever,” he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Janaki’s golden voice transcended languages and generations, becoming an inseparable part of India’s cultural consciousness.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal described her as “a once-in-a-generation talent” whose iconic voice gifted India countless unforgettable melodies.
The Karnataka government announced that the legendary singer would be accorded full state honours during her final rites.
State Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said Chief Minister Shivakumar had directed officials to make all necessary arrangements for the public to pay their last respects. Janaki’s mortal remains will be kept for public viewing from 8 a.m. on Sunday, allowing admirers, family members and well-wishers to bid a final farewell.
With her passing, India loses not only one of its finest playback singers but also a cultural icon whose voice transcended linguistic and regional boundaries. Her timeless melodies, emotional depth and unmatched artistry have left an enduring imprint on Indian music, ensuring that the voice of S. Janaki will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come.
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