Amit Shah mourns demise of legendary playback singer S. Janaki, calls her revered cultural icon

New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday expressed profound grief over the demise of legendary playback singer S. Janaki, describing her as one of India’s most revered cultural icons whose timeless songs will continue to inspire generations.

Paying tribute in a post on X, HM Shah wrote, “Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary playback singer S. Janaki Amma Ji. An ethereal voice, Janaki Ji breathed life into songs that became timeless classics across various languages. One of our nation’s most revered cultural icons, she leaves behind an irreplaceable void in the world of music. My thoughts are with the bereaved family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti.”

S. Janaki, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, passed away at a private hospital in Mysore on Saturday at the age of 88, bringing to a close a remarkable musical career that spanned more than six decades and touched millions of listeners across the country.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled her demise, describing her passing as an irreparable loss to the worlds of music and culture.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The passing of the distinguished playback singer S. Janaki Amma is an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture. Her songs in various languages were popular across generations.”

He said Janaki gave voice to every emotion with “unparalleled grace as well as versatility.”

“Her melodies will continue to enchant listeners in the years to come. My heartfelt condolences to her family, countless admirers and the entire music fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister added.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin also paid an emotional tribute to the veteran singer.

In a post on X, Stalin said, “I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of the Nightingale of Song, Thirumathi S. Janaki. The musical journey of Kanakokila Janaki, who sang thousands of songs from the era of Mellisai Mannar M.S. Viswanathan to Anirudh, was a long and illustrious one. Her demise is a great loss not only to the people of Tamil Nadu, who will 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.

“With her sweet and eternally youthful voice, she sang songs that will never fade with time, and she will forever continue to echo in our homes and hearts. I convey my deepest condolences and comfort to all -the artists of the film industry grieving her loss, her fans, her family, and everyone connected to her,” he added.

S. Janaki’s granddaughter announced the veteran singer’s demise through a social media post, marking the end of an era in Indian film music.

Although she made her playback debut in the Tamil film Vidhiyin Vilayattu in 1957, Janaki’s association with Malayalam cinema began the same year and blossomed into one of the most extraordinary chapters in the state’s musical history. Renowned for her extraordinary versatility and expressive voice, she recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate across generations.

–IANS

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