Leaders and politicians across political parties mourned the death of veteran playback singer S. Janaki and paid heartfelt tributes to her.
On X, Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan said her songs transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, uniting millions through the universal language of music.
“S. Janaki-amma’s passing is an irreparable loss to the world of music and to the nation’s artistic heritage. Through her immense contribution to Indian music, she left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire artists and music lovers alike,” the Vice-President said.
In his message, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said the demise of Ms. Janaki brought immense sorrow.
“Having sung thousands of songs in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and more, she has left an indelible mark on the music world. The recipient of countless prestigious awards, including multiple National Film Awards, she will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans through her sweet voice, exceptional ability to convey emotions and unwavering dedication to music,” he said.
DMK president M.K. Stalin said her demise was a great loss, not only to the people of Tamil Nadu, who would continue to let her “nectar-like” songs resonate in their homes from the radio to Spotify, but also to the people of south India and the Indian film industry as a whole.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said she rendered many songs as a playback singer across 20 Indian languages, including Tamil, securing an indelible place in the hearts of the people.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the passing of Ms. Janaki, the unparalleled playback singer of Indian cinema and the nightingale of Kannada films, had delivered a profound shock.
He added that her embodiment of simplicity inspired and nurtured countless singers, and her vocal charm would forever remain immortal in the cultural sphere of Karnataka.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said: “A daughter of Telugu soil, she built an unparalleled musical legacy spanning over six decades, touching generations with her timeless voice.”
YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said Indian music had lost one of its brightest stars, but her melodies would live on forever.
Published – July 11, 2026 11:08 pm IST
