S Janaki to be laid to rest with full state honours in Mysuru today

Legendary playback singer S Janaki, whose voice defined South Indian cinema for more than six decades, will be laid to rest with full state honours in Mysuru on Sunday, a day after her death at the age of 88.

The Karnataka government announced that the veteran singer would receive a state funeral in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Indian music. Over a career spanning nearly 70 years, Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in over 20 languages, making her one of the most prolific playback singers in the country's history.

Before the final rites, the public will be able to pay their respects as her mortal remains will be kept at Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru from 7.30 am on Sunday. The last rites are scheduled to take place later at a farmhouse in Kaniyanahundi on the outskirts of the city.

Karnataka honours a musical icon

Confirming the arrangements, Mysuru district in-charge minister Dr S Yathindra said the public would have an opportunity to offer their final respects before the funeral.

Paying tribute to the singer on X, the minister wrote, "The Nightingale of South India, Padma Bhushan S Janakiamma's passing has caused profound grief. For over six decades, Janakiamma enriched the world of Indian music with her melodious voice, infusing life into more than 48,000 songs in over 20 languages, thereby creating an extraordinary musical legacy. Her sweet voice, unique singing style, and dedication to music will forever remain etched in the hearts of millions of music lovers."

He added, "Janakiamma's departure is an irreplaceable loss to the field of Indian music. May the divine grant eternal peace to her soul. I pray that her family, loved ones, and millions of admirers find the strength to bear the sorrow of this loss. Heartfelt salutations."

Family announces her passing

The news of Janaki's death was first shared by her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, through an emotional statement on social media.

She wrote, "Dear everyone It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer Smt S Janaki. 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."

Apsara further said, "To the world, she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness, and grace will remain with us forever."

Final years in Mysuru

Fondly known as "Janaki Amma", the Padma Bhushan awardee had made Mysuru her home after stepping away from playback singing in 2017. She spent her retirement away from the spotlight, choosing the city where she wished her final rites to be performed.

Although she was born as Sishtla Sreeramamurthy Janaki on April 23, 1938, near Repalle in present-day Andhra Pradesh, her association with Karnataka remained especially significant. She recorded more songs in Kannada than in any other language and became one of the defining voices of the Kannada film industry.

Her songs featured in numerous films starring Kannada screen legend Dr Rajkumar, and she continued to sing for generations of leading actors, including Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Shankar Nag and several contemporary stars. Her memorable Kannada classics include ‘Deepavu Ninnade Galiyu Ninnade’, ‘Thaaye Baara Mogava Thora Kannadigara Maatheye’, ‘Yuga Yugadi Kaledaru’ and ‘Bisilaadarenu Maleyaadarenu’.

The University of Mysore later recognised her contribution to Indian music by conferring an honorary doctorate.

Hospital confirms cause of death

According to Apollo BGS Hospital, Janaki was admitted on Saturday afternoon in critical condition and taken directly to the intensive care unit. She had reportedly been using a wheelchair after suffering injuries in a fall some time ago.

Doctors said she experienced multiple cardiac arrests and could not be revived. She was declared dead at around 7.30 pm.

A voice that transformed Indian cinema

Janaki began her playback career in 1957 and went on to become one of India's most celebrated singers, lending her voice across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and several other languages.

In Tamil cinema, she earned widespread acclaim for her remarkable ability to adapt her voice to suit the emotions and personalities of on-screen characters. Her breakthrough came with ‘Singara Velane Deva’ from the 1962 film ‘Konjum Salangai’, where she performed alongside nadaswaram maestro Karakurichi Arunachalam in what remains one of Tamil cinema's most revered musical compositions.