Legendary South Indian playback singer S. Janaki dies at 88 in Mysuru
S. Janaki, the iconic playback singer known as "Isai Arasi" and Janaki Amma, passed away on July 11, 2026, in Mysuru, India, at age 88. Her career spanned decades across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and Sinhala languages. Tributes poured in from actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and composers Ilaiyaraaja, who praised her versatility, flawless pitch, and emotional depth. Her death marks a major cultural loss for South Indian cinema.
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Jaimala seeks S. Janaki Music Chair at Mysore varsity to preserve her legacy
A day after legendary playback singer S. Janaki passed away, veteran actor and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president Jaimala appealed to the State Government on July 12, 2026, to establish an S. Janaki Music Study Chair at the University of Mysore to preserve the singer's vast musical legacy. Paying her last respects at the Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru, Jaimala said the chair would be a fitting tribute to one of India's greatest playback singers, who recorded nearly 48,000 songs in over 20 languages. Jaimala recalled Janaki's rare ability to modulate her voice to suit every actress on screen. Actor Tara remembered Janaki's wit and warmth, while playback singer Vijay Prakash described her as a mentor who spread happiness through her music and encouraged young singers. The article also notes Janaki's close association with legendary singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.S. Janaki's demise: Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, singer P. Susheela pay rich tributes
Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passed away on July 11, 2026, prompting heartfelt tributes from legendary music figures. Film music director Ilaiyaraaja, who collaborated with Janaki on thousands of songs beginning with his debut film Annakili in 1976, described her as an exceptionally hardworking artiste who always exceeded his expectations. He praised her talents beyond singing, noting she was a gifted composer of devotional bhajans. Playback singer P. Susheela paid an emotional tribute, saying no singer in Tamil cinema could match Janaki's versatility and expressive voice. Susheela singled out the Tamil song Singaravelane Deva as one of Janaki's greatest achievements, taking her to the pinnacle of playback singing. Both artists expressed deep sadness over her death, calling it a great loss to Indian film music.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.S. Janaki: Remembering the Iconic Voice of South India
This article is an obituary for legendary playback singer S. Janaki, who died on July 11, 2026, at age 88 in Mysuru. Known affectionately as Janaki Amma, she was a towering figure in South Indian cinema, singing in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, as well as Hindi and Sinhala. Her voice, infused with love and pathos, defined generations of film music. The piece highlights her iconic songs, collaborations with composers like Ilaiyaraaja, and duets with Kamal Haasan, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and K.J. Yesudas. It notes her humble demeanor and the deep respect she commanded from peers like K.S. Chithra. The article frames her death as a major cultural loss for India, especially the southern states, while celebrating her enduring musical legacy.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.S. Janaki, legendary South Indian playback singer, dies at 88
S. Janaki, the iconic playback singer known as 'Isai Arasi' (Queen of Music) and affectionately called Janaki Amma, passed away on July 11, 2026, in Mysuru at the age of 88. The article, published by The Hindu on July 12, 2026, pays tribute to her extraordinary career spanning multiple South Indian languages including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam, as well as Hindi and Sinhala. Known for her melodious voice infused with love and pathos, Janaki recorded thousands of songs under numerous music directors. She was particularly noted for her work with Ilaiyaraaja, her duets with Kamal Haasan, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and K.J. Yesudas, and her ability to capture rural and emotional female heroines through song. The article highlights her humble demeanor despite her legendary status, and notes that her death follows recent losses of other South Indian film figures like Bharathiraja and K. Bhagyaraj.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Actors and musicians pay rich tributes to legendary singer S. Janaki
The article reports on the death of legendary Indian playback singer S. Janaki on July 11, 2026, and the subsequent tributes from prominent figures in the Indian film and music industry. Actor Rajinikanth praised her honey-sweet voice, while Kamal Haasan expressed inconsolable sorrow. Composer Anirudh Ravichander and singer Chinmayi Sripada (who called her a 'Goddess') also paid homage. Singer Mano recalled recording over 1,000 songs with her. Carnatic vocalists Ranjani and Gayatri highlighted her impeccable shruti and versatility. Actors Radikaa Sarathkumar, Kushboo, Simran, and Y.G. Mahendran also shared emotional messages, noting her childlike innocence, motherly love, and the irreplaceable void her absence leaves. All agreed her songs will live forever.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kannada cinema bids farewell to legendary playback singer S. Janaki
S. Janaki, the legendary playback singer who dominated South Indian cinema for decades, passed away in Mysuru on July 11, 2026, at the age of 88. The article highlights her extraordinary versatility, noting her ability to sing across genres and languages despite not being a native Kannadiga. Tributes from the Kannada film fraternity emphasize her role as a cultural icon, with songs like 'Naguva Nayana' and 'Jotheyali' becoming anthems of Kannada identity. Music composers and lyricists praised her flawless pitch, emotional depth, and unique ability to produce expressions from her throat without facial movement. Her collaborations with S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Ilaiyaraaja, and K.J. Yesudas produced timeless classics. The article also notes her challenging rendition of 'Shiva Shiva Ennada' and her legacy as a role model for future generations.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.