Legendary playback singer S Janaki was buried with full honors at her family farmhouse at Kanyanahundi on HD Kote Road in Mysuru on Sunday evening. The popular singer died on July 12 at the age of 88 after suffering multiple cardiac arrests while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mysuru.
Her remains were kept at the Maharaja’s College before her last rites, where thousands of admirers, members of the film fraternity, musicians and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects. The funeral was held in her home city of Mysuru in her final years, as per her last wish.
Apsara An emotional tribute to her grandmother
Speaking to the media during the last rites, S.’s granddaughter paid tribute. Janaki, an apsara, the legendary singer. “It is a huge loss, not only for our family, but for the entire nation and the whole world,” she said, according to the Indian Express.
Remembering Janaki’s unparalleled talent, Apsara added: “She had the most expressive kind of singing. Everyone who listens to her music knows that.” She also described her grandmother as truly unique, saying: “My grandmother was one of a kind.
Anyone who knew her will tell you how special she was. “She was an amazing talent.” Her heartfelt words reflected the deep admiration and love the family still has for the music legend.
A loving grandmother beyond the legendary voice
While the world celebrated S. Janaki as one of India’s greatest playback singers, Apsara said she will always remember her as a family. “I will remember her as my grandmother, kind, generous, and full of love and laughter,” she said. Apsara also spoke about the life lessons she received from Janaki, saying that they extend beyond music and fame. She said: “I am honored to be her granddaughter. I have learned a lot from her, not only as a famous person, but as my grandmother.”
She also fondly recalled Janaki’s deep affection for animals, describing it as one of the qualities she admired most.
S Janaki – The voice that will never fade away
Concluding her tribute, Apsara had some words for all music lovers in the country. “She will be greatly missed, but she lives on forever through her music. All we have left is this. We are together forever. There is no goodbye,” she said. Throughout her career spanning over six decades, S Janaki has sung more than 40,000 songs in several Indian languages and has been honored with four National Film Awards besides numerous other accolades.
As tributes poured in from across the country, one thing became clear: Although the legendary singer may not be here anymore, her legendary voice lives on.
