Voice that defined generations falls silent: S. Janaki laid to rest with state honours in Mysuru

MYSURU: The final rites of veteran South Indian playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as Janakiamma, were performed with full state honours at her farmhouse in Kaniyahundi village on Sunday evening. The ceremonies concluded around 5.40 pm after thousands of admirers paid their last respects during a public viewing at the Maharaja’s College Ground.

Mysuru held a special place in Janaki’s heart, and being laid to rest there was one of her final wishes.

Thousands of fans, admirers, and well-wishers gathered at the college ground for a final glimpse of the celebrated singer. Several personalities from the fields of art, literature, culture, and politics were also present to pay their respects.

Janaki died at around 7.30 pm on Saturday after suffering respiratory complications. She had been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Mysuru around 12.30 pm the same day and was later shifted to the Intensive Care Unit as her condition deteriorated. Doctors confirmed her death later that evening.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Janaki recorded over 48,000 songs in nearly 20 languages, including Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. Renowned for her remarkable vocal range and emotive singing, she remains one of the most celebrated playback singers in Indian cinema. She retired from live performances in October 2017 at the age of 79.