Legendary playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as the ‘Nightingale of South India’, passed away at the age of 88 at the Apollo Hospital in Mysuru after suffering from age-related health complications.He had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day after his health worsened.According to Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, she was admitted on July 11 at 12:49 PM. “Despite intensive medical care and continuous monitoring by the multidisciplinary team, he suffered a cardiac arrest during the course of treatment,” the press release states.She was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.Condolences were received by political leaders across party lines, who remembered the veteran singer for her unparalleled contribution to Indian music.
DK Shivakumar remembers the legendary singer
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed his deep condolences over the death of the legendary playback singer known as ‘Gaana Kogile’.In a statement, the CM said he was deeply shocked by the news of the demise of iconic Indian playback singer and multilingual vocalist S Janaki.“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,” said Shivakumar.Recalling her contribution, he added, “Janakamma was the epitome of simplicity. Her matchless voice will remain immortal in the cultural sphere of Karnataka forever. Though originally from Andhra Pradesh, her love for Kannada led her to settle in Mysuru. She has the distinction of singing over 48,000 songs in over 20 languages.” With the demise of Janakamma, the great musical melody of the music world has fallen silent.“The CM noted that Janaki was honored with numerous awards including the Padma Bhushan along with state awards from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other states.“I pray to God to give strength to her fans and family members to bear the pain of Janakamma’s loss,” Shivakumar said in his condolence message.YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also mourned the death of the veteran singer, describing her as one of the brightest stars of Indian music.“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary S. Janaki Amma, who hails from Guntur. 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. Rest in peace, Amma,” she wrote to X.KT Rama Rao (KTR) called Janaki’s death an “irreplaceable loss” to the world of Indian music and cinema.“The news of the demise of renowned singer S. Janaki garu is deeply heartbreaking! S. Janaki garu, the legendary singer who could evoke the nine emotions with her mellifluous voice. For nearly six decades, he enthralled Indians by singing thousands of songs in various Indian languages. Janaki garu spent several years of his childhood residing in Sirisilla, which I represent. The death of Janaki Garu is an irreplaceable loss to the world of music and the Indian film industry,” he wrote in his tribute.“Although he is no longer with us physically, his songs will continue to captivate us forever. I pray for eternal peace to the soul of S. Janaki garu. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers,” KTR added.Born on April 23, 1938, S Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in more than 20 languages in a career spanning six decades, winning numerous national and state honors, including the Padma Bhushan. His death marks the end of an era in Indian music, leaving behind a timeless legacy that continues to resonate across generations. Meanwhile, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi tweeted, “The news of Janakamma garu’s death has deeply shaken my heart. In my cinematic journey, she lent her matchless voice to countless unforgettable songs. It was her voice that gave life to the many emotions we brought to life on screen. Behind so many sweet songs from my audience, Janak’s darlings remember with affection. he sees every time those songs are played, those days... these memories… live again before my eyes. Janakamma garu was not just a singer…she was an artist extraordinaire who transformed emotions into melody. Every song he sings is a memory…a feeling…a lifelong bond. Today we lost a high point in the world of music. But his song will forever resonate as an inspiration for generations and as the background score of our lives. Convey my deepest condolences to the family members of Smt. S. Janaki garu, his loved ones and the millions of music lovers who admire him. Janakamma garu…your voice is immortal. Om Shanti.”