Veteran playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as the Nightingale of South India, passed away at the age of 88. He breathed his last at the Apollo Hospital in Mysuru after battling age-related ailments. Popularly known as Janaki Amma, the legendary singer had turned down the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2013, saying the recognition had come too late. He had also expressed that his decades-long contribution to Indian music deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award. Throughout her illustrious career, Janaki received four National Film Awards and an unprecedented 33 State Film Awards in various languages.Janaki began her illustrious career as a playback singer in 1957 and became one of India’s most celebrated voices. Over the decades, he forged iconic collaborations with composer Ilaiyaraaja and legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, delivering countless timeless songs in multiple Indian languages. He has sung in more than 20 languages throughout his career, but has been battling health problems for the past few years.His immense contribution to Indian music earned him several prestigious honors including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Padma Bhushan. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Mysore in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of music.Janaki married V Ramaprasad in 1959. After his death, she made Hyderabad her home, where she spent her last years.