S. Janaki, the legendary playback singer whose voice defined South Indian cinema for over six decades, died on July 11, 2026, in Chennai. She was 88.
Born on April 23, 1938, in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district, Janaki began her career under composer T. Chalapathi Rao, who introduced her to films with two songs in Vithiyin Vilayattu. Her ability to convey joy, sorrow, devotion, and romance with equal ease made her a staple in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema.
Collaborations with music legends
Janaki worked with generations of composers, from M.D. Parthasarathy and M.S. Viswanathan to Ilaiyaraaja, who cast her in his debut film Annakili (1976). Their partnership produced enduring classics, including Senthoora Poove from 16 Vayathinile, which earned her one of four National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
Her versatility extended to Carnatic-infused film music, as heard in Singara Velane Deva from Konjum Salangai, a collaboration with nagaswaram maestro Karukurichi Arunachalam. Later, she adapted to modern compositions, lending her voice to A.R. Rahman’s Ottagathai Kattikko (Gentleman) and Gopala Gopala (Kadhalan).
Early life and training
Janaki’s musical foundation came from accompanying her elder sister to Carnatic lessons. Though her first teacher, Paitisamy, died within a year, she had already developed enough skill to win second prize in an All India Radio competition. She later credited Chalapathi Rao for her breakthrough, noting he entrusted her with Tamil songs despite her lack of fluency in the language.
Her repertoire included emotionally charged numbers like Azhagiya Kanne from Uthiripookkal and Chinna Chinna Vanna Kuyil from Mouna Ragam, as well as playful tracks such as Nethu Rathiri Yamma from Sakalakala Vallavan. Ilaiyaraaja often cited her as one of his most expressive interpreters.
