South Indian playback legend S Janaki passes away at 88
Playback singer S Janaki, known as the 'Nightingale of South India', died on July 11 in Mysuru at the age of 88. Her career spanned six decades, during which she recorded over 40,000 songs in several languages, adapting seamlessly to evolving musical trends and technological changes.
Born in Pallapatla village, Andhra Pradesh, Janaki was inspired by Lata Mangeshkar's early songs and would sing during intervals of plays organised by her uncle. Despite having no formal training, her bright soprano voice caught the attention of filmmaker B R Panthulu and music director T G Lingappa, leading to her first recording for the Tamil film 'Vidhiyin Vilayattu' in 1957.
A Telugu speaker, Janaki was renowned for her impeccable pronunciation in Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada. She achieved this by studying everyday speech, understanding the meanings, and rehearsing carefully. Her adaptability allowed her to work with composers ranging from M S Viswanathan and K V Mahadevan to Ilaiyaraaja, Bappi Lahiri, and A R Rahman.
Janaki's legacy is not only in the volume of her work but also in her ability to connect with audiences across linguistic and generational divides. She remained active in the music industry until her later years, leaving behind a rich catalog of songs that continue to be cherished.
