Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India", passed away at the age of 88. She breathed her last at Apollo Hospital in Mysuru after battling age-related ailments.

Popularly called Janaki Amma, the legendary singer had declined the Padma Bhushan—India's third-highest civilian honour—in 2013, saying the recognition had come too late. She had also expressed that her decades-long contribution to Indian music deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.

Over the course of her illustrious career, Janaki won four National Film Awards and a record 33 State Film Awards across multiple Indian languages.

S Janaki death reason: What happened to her?

According to reports, S. Janaki died after battling age-related ailments. She passed away at Apollo Hospital in Mysuru, where she had been undergoing treatment. Some reports also said she had been admitted with a fever before her condition deteriorated due to age-related health complications.

Janaki's career

Janaki began her playback singing career in 1957 and went on to become one of India's most celebrated voices. Over the decades, she collaborated with composer Ilaiyaraaja and legendary playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, delivering numerous memorable songs across multiple Indian languages.

She recorded songs in more than 20 languages during her career and earned several prestigious honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Padma Bhushan and an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore in recognition of her contribution to Indian music.

Janaki married V. Ramaprasad in 1959. Following his demise, she settled in Hyderabad, where she spent her later years. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian playback singing, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire generations.