S Janaki, celebrated as 'Nightingale of South India', passes away at 88

Veteran playback singer S Janaki, popularly known as the 'Nightingale of South India', passed away at the age of 88.

The news was confirmed by her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, through an emotional statement shared on Instagram.

Announcing the loss on behalf of the family, Apsara said Janaki died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, and requested privacy as the family mourns her passing.

'It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt. S Janaki,' Apsara wrote.

She added that while the family is heartbroken, they are grateful for the extraordinary life Janaki lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music.

Remembering her grandmother beyond her legendary career, Apsara described Janaki as a woman of warmth, humility, kindness and grace, saying those qualities would remain with the family forever.

Known affectionately as Janaki Amma, the legendary singer recorded nearly 48,000 songs across multiple Indian and foreign languages during a career spanning more than six decades.

She delivered countless classics in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi cinema, and worked with iconic composers including Ilaiyaraaja, MS Viswanathan and AR Rahman.

In 2013, Janaki declined the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, saying the recognition had come too late and expressing that her contribution to Indian music deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.