When S. Janaki rejected the Padma Bhushan
In 2013, legendary singer S. Janaki famously rejected the Padma Bhushan award, arguing that the recognition came too late in her career. She advocated for artists to be honored while they are still alive and suggested that her body of work warranted the Bharat Ratna.
Why it matters
Her public rejection of a prestigious state honor sparked a national conversation regarding the timing and criteria for recognizing veteran artists in India.
Having sung thousands of songs across multiple languages for nearly half a century, when the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan upon S. Janaki in 2013, she rejected the award , describing it as having come too late for her.
S. Janaki (1938-2026): Recalling the singer’s pan-India career
When the Government of India announced the Padma awards on the eve of Republic Day in 2013 , S. Janaki was chosen for the Padma Bhushan. However, she refused to accept it. “I am not finding fault with anyone for this late recognition. I have no grouse against the government. I was happy that the government has honoured me,” she said.
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