Legendary Indian playback singer S. Janaki dies at 88
The ‘Nightingale of South India’ leaves behind a six-decade musical legacy & 48,000 songs
Dubai: Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as the ‘Nightingale of South India’, passed away at a private hospital in Mysuru on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 88.
Over a remarkable career spanning nearly six decades, Janaki recorded around 48,000 songs in Indian and foreign languages, becoming one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema. Her soulful voice became synonymous with generations of film stars across multiple industries.
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The iconic singer's granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, announced the singer's demise through an Instagram post, saying “It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt. S. Janaki."
Apsara further said, "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”.
Janaki was known for her iconic collaborations with some of India’s most renowned music composers, including Ilaiyaraaja, G. Devarajan, Johnson, MS Viswanathan, Salil Chowdhury, AR Rahman, GK Venkatesh and Hamsalekha.
She made a lasting mark in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi cinema, lending her voice to hundreds of memorable songs that continue to be cherished by music lovers.
During her illustrious musical journey, she received a phenomenal number of awards including four National Awards and 33 different state film awards.
Known for her versatility and emotional depth, Janaki mastered a wide range of genres and styles during her long career. Her contribution to Indian playback singing earned her widespread recognition and a place among the country’s most respected vocal artists.
