Veteran singer S Janaki, known as the ‘Nightingale of South India’, has died at the age of 88. She breathed her last at Apollo Hospital in Mysuru. While in the hospital undergoing treatment for her age-related ailments, she suffered a cardiac arrest.
A press release from Apollo Hospitals, Mysuru read: “Ms. S. Janaki was admitted to Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, on 11 July 2026 at 12:49 PM. On admission, her condition was critical. She was immediately evaluated and shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for further treatment.”He added: “Despite intensive medical care and constant monitoring by a multidisciplinary team, she suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment.
Advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated immediately according to standard medical protocols. Despite resuscitation efforts, she suffered multiple cardiac arrests and could not be resuscitated. Mrs. S. was declared dead. Janaki at 7:30 pm on 11 July 2026.
“The legendary singer, popularly known as Janaki Amma, declined the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in 2013, saying the recognition came too late.
She also expressed that her decades-long contribution to Indian music deserves the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award. Over the course of her illustrious career, Janaki has received an unprecedented four National Film Awards and 33 State Film Awards across multiple languages.Janaki began her illustrious singing career in 1957 and became one of the most recognizable voices in India.
Over the decades, she has forged iconic collaborations with composer Ilaiyaraaja and legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, delivering countless timeless songs across multiple Indian languages. She has sung in more than 20 languages throughout her career but since the last few years she has been suffering from health issues.Her immense contribution to Indian music has earned her many prestigious accolades, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Padma Bhushan.
She was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the field of music.Janaki married Ramaprasad in 1959. After his death, she made her home in Hyderabad, where she spent her final years. When the news of her death became known to the public, many tributes began to pour in. Many celebrities like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, CM Vijay Joseph among others paid tribute to her.
