S. Janaki’s Golden Voice Falls Silent At 88

Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passed away on Saturday in Mysuru at the age of 88 due to age related health problems.

She was fondly known as the “Nightingale of South India” and was one of India’s much greatest playback singers. During her remarkable career of over 60 years she sang nearly 48,000 songs in more than 20 languages which was a great achievement.

She worked with many music directors like Ilaiyaraaja, Viswanathan, Mahadevan, Keeravani and Rahman without fail.

Janaki won four National Film Awards, 12 Nandi Awards and many other honours. She retired from playback singing in 2016 but her timeless songs continue to be loved by all the generations.

Her passing is a huge loss to Indian cinema and music for sure.

A Voice That Lives Forever

Though the voice has fallen silent,
her melodies will echo through eternity.

Legendary playback singer Padma Bhushan Smt. S. Janaki Garu leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy. Over a career spanning nearly seven decades, she mesmerized… pic.twitter.com/Gfd4o3SqrJ

— Pawan Kalyan Creative Works (@PKCWoffl) July 11, 2026