Legendary singer S Janaki passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. Heartfelt condolences from across the Indian film industry began pouring in as soon as the news of her death came out.
Celebrated with a career spanning over 20 languages and over 48,000 songs, Janaki’s extraordinary musical legacy has influenced generations of listeners through her work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and many other languages.Rajinikanth was among the first to pay tribute, sharing a message in Tamil on X (formerly Twitter): “May her soul, who has delighted generations of people with her sweet voice, find peace (folded hands emoji) #JanakiAmma.”Singer Chinmayi Sripada also paid tribute to Janaki with a deeply personal memory, recalling the first time she saw her perform live. “She was a goddess. I had the opportunity to sing with her at a show in Australia maybe 20 to 23 years ago. She sang a song live on stage where she sounded like a child, like a woman and a man. I was backstage and was wondering who the male singer was until I knew she was singing the whole thing.” She also wrote: “She is a singer I look up to.
Perhaps you will be the Singara Velani Deva of Muruga there.”Janaki has shared a long musical association with Rajinikanth, lending her voice to many memorable songs from ‘Mannan’, ‘Thalapathi’ and ‘Anbulla Rajinikanth’, including Adikuthu Kuliru, Sundari Kannal Oru Seithi and then Poove Poove Vaa.Kamal Haasan, who has also collaborated with Janaki on several popular songs, posted a poetic tribute that translates to: “The song will resonate forever.
Mom, where will I go to find this love again? Many people carry a sadness that they can never lay down. My deepest condolences to them all.” Janaki’s memorable performances in his films include ‘Unnai Naan’ and ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan’ from ‘Gunaa’, ‘Sendhoora Poove’ from ’16 Vayathinile’ and ‘Ponmeni Uruguthey’ from ‘Moondram Pirai’.He offers his condolences,
Joseph Vijay
He said, “The demise of Ms. S Janaki, the legendary playback singer who won the hearts of multiple generations with her unique voice in the world of Hindi film music, brings great sadness.
Having sung thousands of songs in different languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and others, she has left an indelible mark in the world of music.Reflecting on her unparalleled contribution to Indian music, Vijay added: “She has won countless prestigious awards, including several National Film Awards, and will forever be etched in the hearts of fans through her sweet voice, exceptional ability to convey emotion, and unwavering dedication to music.
Her death is an irreparable loss to the Indian music world. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to her bereaved family, the film fraternity, music artists, and her fans all over the world.
“Actor Simran reflected on Janaki’s lasting impact through an emotional note. “Some sounds become a part of our lives forever, and Janaki Amma was one of them. She gave life to feelings through her music and created memories that generations will cherish. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but her songs will live on in our hearts forever. Our deepest condolences, loved ones. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti,” Simran shared.
