Legendary playback singer S Janaki, fondly known as Janakamma, passed away on Saturday in Chennai, leaving millions of music lovers heartbroken. Having sung more than 48,000 songs in several languages, including thousands of unforgettable Telugu songs, Janaki's voice became synonymous with melody, emotion and timeless music. Following her demise, several film personalities expressed their grief, with Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna and Pawan Kalyan paying heartfelt tributes.
Chiranjeevi said Janaki's passing has deeply saddened him and recalled the countless memorable songs she sang for his films.
"The news of Janakamma garu's passing has deeply saddened me. Throughout my cinematic journey, she lent her extraordinary voice to many unforgettable songs. It was her magical singing that breathed life into the emotions we portrayed on screen. Many of the songs that audiences continue to cherish from my career were brought alive by Janakamma garu's melodious voice. Every time those songs are played, they bring back those wonderful days and precious memories," said Chiranjeevi.
Describing her as much more than a playback singer, he added, "Janakamma garu was not just a singer; she was an exceptional artiste who transformed emotions into music. Every song she sang is a memory, an emotion and a lifelong bond for millions of listeners. Today, the world of music has lost one of its greatest legends, but her voice will continue to inspire generations and remain the soundtrack of our lives forever."
Chiranjeevi conveyed his condolences to Janaki's family and admirers, saying, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family members of S Janaki garu, her loved ones and the millions of music lovers who admired her. Janakamma garu... your voice is immortal. Om Shanti."
Nandamuri Balakrishna described Janaki's demise as an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.
"I am deeply shocked by the news of the passing of legendary singer and the Nightingale, S Janaki garu. The demise of Janaki garu, who captivated millions of music lovers for decades with her soulful voice, is an irreparable loss to the entire Indian film industry," said Balakrishna.
Recalling her association with the Nandamuri family, he said, "She rendered countless immortal songs not only for the films of my father, the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao garu, but also for many of my films. Those songs will continue to be cherished by generations. She shared a close association with our family that spanned several decades."
Balakrishna added that Janaki had left an indelible mark on Indian music. "I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the noble soul of Janaki garu, who left an indelible mark on the world of Indian music with her extraordinary voice. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family members and countless admirers," he said.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan also mourned the singer's demise, calling her a gem among Telugu playback singers.
"The demise of legendary playback singer S Janaki garu is deeply saddening. I was deeply grieved to learn that the renowned singer S Janaki garu has passed away. I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to her noble soul," said Pawan Kalyan.
Remembering her remarkable achievements, he added, "S Janaki garu was truly a gem among Telugu playback singers. She possessed one of the sweetest and most distinctive voices in Indian cinema. She was honoured with four National Film Awards as Best Female Playback Singer and ten Nandi Awards. Throughout her illustrious career, she sang more than 50,000 songs in Telugu and several other Indian languages. Telugu audiences will forever cherish her unforgettable songs from films such as Nireekshana, Srivariki Premalekha, Sitara, Swathi Muthyam, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Pratighatana and Anthahpuram."
Pawan Kalyan concluded by extending his heartfelt condolences to the singer's family members, saying that Janaki's contribution to Indian music would remain unparalleled for generations to come.