V.D. Satheesan condoles S. Janaki’s demise, says she was ‘the voice that captivated generations’
Renowned playback singer S. Janaki has passed away at the age of 88, prompting tributes from Kerala's political leadership. Leaders praised her six-decade career and her profound impact on Indian film music across multiple languages.
Why it matters
S. Janaki was a cultural icon in South India, and her death marks the end of a significant era in regional cinema and music history.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan paid homage to S. Janaki, the celebrated playback singer who passed away on Saturday (July 11, 2026) aged 88, saying that her contributions to Indian film music transcended the title ‘the nightingale of south India.’
Calling Ms. Janaki his favourite singer, the Chief Minister said that her voice stole the hearts of generations. “For more than six decades, she astonished the world of Indian film music with the sweetness of her voice. Although Malayalam was not her mother tongue, the songs she sang in the language remain close to every Keralite’s heart for the clarity of pronunciation and depth of feeling,” Mr. Satheesan said in a condolence message.
For Keralites, Ms. Janaki became nothing less than a family member through the love and affection bestowed by her music, he said.
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