Earlier this Sunday, Mohanlal shared a long post paying his tribute to legendary singer S Janaki, who passed away on Saturday. Taking to Facebook, the superstar wrote, "The Nightingale of India has left us. Janaki Amma is an ocean of love that gifted so many heart-touching songs in languages including Malayalam and Hindi throughout an era." The actor described Janaki as a "blessed singer who has contributed many timeless songs, filling the hearts of Malayalees with 'Thenum Vayambum' (honey and calamus)," a reference to the titular song from the 1981 film Thenum Vayambum.

Mohanlal also expressed his gratitude to Janaki for her contribution to the soundtrack of his first released film, 1980's Manjil Virinja Pookkal. "As a singer who sang the songs in my first film Manjil Virinja Pookkal, I have an unforgettable debt to Janaki Amma," the actor wrote.

S Janaki lent her voice to songs in Mohanlal films such as 'Manjani Kombil' and 'Mizhiyoram' from Manjil Virinja Pookkal. 'Mizhiyoram Nananjozhukum,' especially, is so iconic that the makers of Jeethu Joseph and Pranav Mohanlal's 2018 film Aadhi used a remixed version of the track.

Mohanlal added, "Janaki Amma gave her sweet voice to all human emotions including happiness, depression and childish innocence. Even after the first film, I was fortunate to be a part of many songs sung by her. She was a calm mother's heart who treated everyone with impartiality. Personally, I was very close to Janakiyamma. May her soul rest in peace."

Janaki also sang 'Ilam Manjin Kulirumayoru' from Mohanlal's 1986 film Ninnistham Ennishtam with KJ Yesudas and 'Mizhiyithalil' from 2002's Onnaman. The other iconic S Janaki songs in Malayalam films include 'Thumbi Vaa' from Olangal and 'Aadi Vaa Katte' from Koodevide.

Mohanlal's contemporary Mammootty also shared his tribute to the legendary singer.