Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India," will be laid to rest with full state honours in Mysuru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced following the singer's passing at the age of 88. The decision comes in accordance with the wishes of her family, who expressed a desire for the final rites to be conducted in the city that held a special place in the iconic singer's life.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar highlighted Janaki's deep emotional bond with Mysuru, revealing a touching detail about her extraordinary musical journey. "She had sung her first and last song in Mysuru. Her funeral will be held with state honours as per the family's wish in the city," he said. The Chief Minister also described Janaki as one of India's greatest musical icons and assured that the Karnataka government would take steps to preserve and immortalise her legacy.
S. Janaki passed away in Mysuru after suffering age-related health complications, bringing to an end a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades. Widely regarded as one of India's finest playback singers, she recorded over 48,000 songs in nearly 20 Indian languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and several regional languages. Her unmatched versatility and emotional depth made her one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema.
Following her demise, thousands of admirers gathered in Mysuru to pay their final respects. Her mortal remains were kept at Maharaja College Grounds, allowing fans, musicians, political leaders, and members of the film industry to bid farewell before the funeral. The last rites are scheduled to take place with full state honours at her family's chosen location near Mysuru, fulfilling her final wish to remain in the city she loved.
Chief Minister Shivakumar also recalled Janaki's immense contribution to Indian music, noting that she earned four National Film Awards, numerous state honours, and the admiration of generations of music lovers. He said the Karnataka government would consult members of the film fraternity to explore ways to permanently honour her memory and celebrate her contribution to Indian culture.
For Karnataka, Janaki was much more than a playback singer. She was affectionately known as "Gaana Kogile" (the Songbird), and her Kannada songs continue to hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Her association with Mysuru stretched from her early musical journey to her emotional farewell concert in 2017, making the city an inseparable part of her life and career.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest musical legends, S. Janaki's timeless melodies will continue to inspire generations. While her voice may have fallen silent, her extraordinary legacy lives on through thousands of unforgettable songs that remain an integral part of India's musical heritage. The state honours accorded to her final journey reflect the immense respect and gratitude the nation holds for an artist whose music transcended languages, cultures, and generations.
