The “Nightingale of South India,” who lent her voice to nearly five decades of Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, died peacefully in Mysuru on Saturday evening, surrounded by her family.
Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known to millions as Janaki Amma, breathed her last on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Apollo BGS Hospitals in Mysuru. She was 88.
According to hospital officials, Janaki passed away at around 7:30 pm following multiple cardiac arrests. She had been admitted to the hospital earlier that same day after developing sudden health complications and did not respond to treatment, family sources said. The singer had been living in the Bogadi area of Mysuru for the past several years.
Family Confirms the News
The news of her passing was shared by her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, in an emotional post on Instagram on behalf of the family. Vydyula described the loss as profound, calling her grandmother both a legendary artiste to the world and a source of warmth and grace within the family. The family said Janaki died peacefully surrounded by loved ones and has requested privacy as they grieve.
In her tribute, Vydyula reflected on the dual identity her grandmother held — a voice that shaped countless memories for listeners everywhere, and at home, simply a grandmother whose humility and kindness left a lasting impression on those closest to her.
A Six-Decade Legacy
S. Janaki’s career spanned roughly six decades, during which she is estimated to have recorded close to 48,000 songs across multiple South Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Her extraordinary range and emotive depth made her one of the most celebrated voices in Indian playback singing history, earning her the affectionate title “Nightingale of South India.”
Last Rites and Public Tribute
As a mark of respect for her contribution to Indian music, S. Janaki’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours. Her mortal remains will be kept at the Maharaja’s College Ground in Mysuru so that fans and admirers can pay their last respects, with the final rites scheduled to take place on Sunday evening, July 12, 2026.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the film and music industries as fans remember an artiste whose voice became inseparable from generations of South Indian cinema.
Sources: The Indian Express, The Hindu