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Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as the “Nightingale of South India,” passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru on Saturday. According to family members, the legendary singer had been battling age-related health issues and breathed her last after a prolonged period of ill health.

With a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, S. Janaki became one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, enchanting generations of music lovers with her soulful voice and extraordinary versatility. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions and effortlessly adapt her voice to suit different characters made her a true icon of Indian cinema.

Born on April 23, 1938, in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, Janaki began her musical journey in the late 1950s. She made her playback debut in Tamil cinema with Vidhiyin Vilayattu, followed by her memorable Telugu debut with the song “Nee Navve Nee Jagana” from M.L.A. Her career soon flourished across multiple Indian film industries.

Over the years, she rendered more than 48,000 songs in several Indian languages, besides recording tracks in English, German, and Japanese. Among her countless evergreen classics, songs such as “Chinnari Ponnari Kittayya” from Swathi Muthyam continue to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences. Her timeless duets with the legendary S.P. Balasubrahmanyam remain some of the most cherished songs in Indian film music.

S. Janaki officially retired from playback singing in 2017, bringing to a close one of the most illustrious careers in Indian music.

Her extraordinary contribution to cinema earned her four National Film Awards, along with 33 State Film Awards from various state governments. She was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Mysore in recognition of her immense contribution to music.

In 2013, Janaki made headlines by declining the Padma Bhushan, stating that South Indian artists often did not receive the recognition they deserved at the national level. The decision reflected her firm convictions and sparked widespread discussion across the country.

The passing of S. Janaki marks the end of a glorious musical era. Her unforgettable voice, timeless melodies, and unparalleled legacy will continue to inspire generations of singers and music lovers, ensuring that she remains immortal in the history of Indian cinema and music.