Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, widely known as "Janaki amma," died on July 11, 2026, at the age of 88. Her voice defined Indian film music across multiple languages for over six decades.
Early career and rise in Telugu cinema
Janaki began her Telugu film career in 1957 with MLA, singing "Nee Aasa Adiyaasa" and "Idenandi Idenandi Bhagyanagaramu" under composer Pendyala Nageshwar Rao. That same year, she recorded songs in Kannada and Tamil, demonstrating her linguistic versatility. Early Telugu films like Kutumba Gowravam, Anna Thammudu, and Bava Maradalu followed, with "Neeli Meghalalo" from the latter establishing her as a singer of exceptional range.
Her collaborations with composers such as K.V. Mahadevan, M.S. Viswanathan, and Ilaiyaraaja produced enduring classics. Notable works include "Sirimalle Puvva" from Padaharella Vayasu, "Mounamelanoyi" from Sagara Sangamam, and "Om Namah Shivaya" from the same film. Later, she contributed to K. Viswanath’s films with songs like "Suvvi Suvvi" (Swathi Muthyam) and "Aakasamlo" (Swarna Kamalam).
National Award and iconic Telugu songs
Janaki won the National Award for her Telugu song "Vennello Godari Andham" from the 1984 film Sitara. Her romantic and folk numbers from the 1980s and 1990s—such as "Guvva Gorinkatho" (Khaidi No. 786), "Yamaho nee yama yama andam" (Jagadeka Veerudu Atilokasundari), and "Manchu Kurise Velalo" (Abhinandana)—remain staples for Telugu music lovers.
Telangana roots and lasting legacy
Though born in present-day Andhra Pradesh, Janaki spent part of her childhood in Sircilla, a textile village in the old Karimnagar district of Telangana. This period shaped her early love for cinema and music, as she frequently visited local theaters. Her connection to the region deepened her legacy among Telugu audiences.
Tributes poured in from Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, BRS leader KT Rama Rao, and film industry figures like Chiranjeevi, who recalled her contributions. For generations, Janaki’s voice embodied love, devotion, heartbreak, and nostalgia, leaving an indelible mark on Indian film music.
