Mysuru: Standing before the lifeless body of S Janaki, Sundaramoorthy wept uncontrollably and said, “She wasn’t just a mother... she was God. For me, she was both my mother and my God.” S Janaki bid farewell to the musical world of Sundaramurthy, leaving behind a beautiful testament to how deeply an icon can touch the heart of an ordinary fan.

Sundaramoorthy and his wife Priya travelled miles from Mangadu in Chennai to Mysuru to see their beloved singer one last time, their minds flooded with memories of her. Clutching a wedding congratulatory card written by Janaki and an album full of photographs taken with her close to their chests, the couple returned from Mysuru unable to hold back their tears.

Sundaramoorthy, a battery factory worker, first met Janaki in 2000 during a musical event in Chennai. When he approached her as she was leaving the stage, Janaki embraced him warmly and struck up a friendship. That bond continued uninterrupted. Wherever a musical event took place in Chennai, they would go to see Janaki. When she relocated to Hyderabad, she invited the couple to her home on three occasions.

As she was unable to attend Sundaramoorthy and Priya's wedding, Janaki sent her blessings through a handwritten congratulatory card. She even visited them personally when Sundaramoorthy built a new house in Mangadu, Chennai. Overwhelmed with grief, Sundaramoorthy recalled that during their last phone conversation, Janaki Amma had asked them to visit her home in Mysuru the following week.

Chithra and Sujatha break down in tears

K S Chithra and Sujatha Mohan could not contain their immense grief upon seeing S Janaki, whom they held close to their hearts as both a mentor and a mother figure, one last time.

Both singers broke down in tears as they remembered the legendary vocalist. They paid their last respects at the Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru, where Janaki Amma's mortal remains were placed for public viewing.

Sujatha said that the news of Janaki Amma’s passing was a massive shock. “She was a mentor and a guide not just to me, but also in the musical career of my daughter, Shwetha. The divine light that was with us is no more,” Sujatha said.

Laid to rest at Mysuru farmhouse

Born in Guntur of Andhra Pradesh and cherished by the entirety of South India, S Janaki has been laid to rest at her farmhouse in Mysuru. Her final resting place was prepared amidst the lush greenery of Kaniyanahundi village, located about 20 kilometres away from Mysuru city.

A massive crowd gathered at the farmhouse to witness her final journey. Following the public viewing, her body was transported to Kaniyanahundi in a ceremonial procession using a decorated vehicle. The procession was accompanied by traditional musical instruments as part of Kannada customs. Karnataka Minister Yatindra Siddaramaiah attended the ceremony. Janaki's daughter-in-law Uma, granddaughter Apsara, and other close relatives participated in the final rites.

A unique genius of the music world: President

President Droupadi Murmu stated that with the passing of S Janaki, India has lost a unique genius of the music world. Her extraordinary singing style inspired generations. During an artistic journey spanning over six decades, she recorded thousands of songs across nearly twenty Indian languages. The President noted in her condolence message that her music transcends time and will remain immensely treasured.

Kerala pays tribute

Kerala's Higher Education Minister Roji M John paid his final respects to S Janaki. A wreath was placed on behalf of the Government of Kerala during the public viewing held at the Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru. The Minister said that S Janaki was a rare genius who connected generations through her music and that her contributions will be remembered forever.