Veteran singer S Janaki, Nightingale of South India, dies in Mysuru, Rajinikanth, Vijay pay tribute

Veteran singer S. Janaki is no more. The legendary playback singer, famously known as the 'Nightingale of South India', died in Mysuru on July 11. She was 88.

As per the statement shared by Appolo Hospital Janaki died around 7:30 pm on July 11. She was addmited to the hospital in a critical situation and was intently shifted to Intensive Care Unit. During the cource of her tretatement, she suffered a cardice arrest.

The veteran singer died peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones. On Saturday, the news of her death was shared by her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, in a post on Instagram.

Sharing a note on behalf of the family, they wrote, ''It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt. S. Janaki.

‘’She left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music.''

''To the world, she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness, and grace will remain with us forever. We kindly request that you respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and come to terms with this loss. Thank you for your love, prayers, and understanding.''

Soon after the news of her death broke, tributes started pouring in.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Chiranjeevi paid mourned the death of the late singer.

Rajinikanth in a post on X, wrote, "May her soul, who delighted generations of people with her honey-sweet voice, attain peace (sic)." Kamal Haasan on his X post, wrote, “The song will forever keep resounding. Where shall I seek that love, Mother? An inconsolable sorrow exists for many. My deepest condolences to them all (sic).”

‘’The passing of Mrs S Janaki, the legendary playback singer who has won the hearts of multiple generations with her unique voice in the Indian film music world, brings immense sorrow (sic)," Vijay wrote in a post on X.

Born on April 23, 1938 in Pallapatla, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Janaki. Her father, Sistla Sreeramamurthy, was an Ayurvedic doctor and a teacher. She has been singing from nine years of age. She began her playback singing career at the age of 19. with the 1957 Tamil film Vidhiyin Vilayattu.