Legendary Playback Singer Passes Away S. Janaki, fondly known as the Nightingale of South India, passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru following an age-related illness and cardiac arrest.
A Six-Decade Musical Legacy She recorded an estimated 20,000–30,000 songs in 17+ languages, making her one of India's most prolific and versatile playback singers.
Timeless Collaborations & Hit Songs She created unforgettable classics with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja and sang iconic duets with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and K. J. Yesudas.
Award-Winning Icon Janaki won 4 National Film Awards and more than 30 State Film Awards, earning acclaim for her exceptional vocal range and emotional expression.
A Principled Artist In 2013, she declined the Padma Bhushan, saying the honour had come too late, and retired from playback singing in 2017, leaving behind an enduring musical legacy.