Legendary playback singer S. Janaki passes away at 88, leaving behind legacy of 48,000 songs

S. Janaki, the legendary playback singer who dominated South Indian cinema for decades, passed away in Mysuru on Saturday (July 11, 2026), aged 88. Known for her extraordinary versatility and a vast following across regions and generations, Janaki's career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded approximately 48,000 songs in 18 languages.

Janaki was born on April 23, 1938, in Pallapatla, Andhra Pradesh. She began her singing career in the 1950s and quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the most sought-after playback singers in South Indian cinema. Her repertoire predominantly featured Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, but she also sang in Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and other languages.

Among her many accolades, Janaki won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Senthoora Poove” from the film 16 Vayathinile (1977), which was the debut directorial venture of Bharathiraja. The director himself passed away last month, adding a poignant note to her passing.

Janaki's voice was known for its clarity, range, and emotional depth. She worked with legendary music directors such as M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, and K. V. Mahadevan, and her songs remain popular across generations. Her contributions to Indian cinema have been recognised with numerous state awards and honorary doctorates.

Here is a compilation of tributes from The Hindu, honouring the legendary nightingale whose melodies and memories will forever resonate in our hearts.

Janaki's death marks the end of an era in Indian playback singing. She is survived by her family, including her husband (who predeceased her) and children. The music industry and fans across the world mourn the loss of a true icon.