A day after legendary playback singer S. Janaki passed away, veteran actor and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) president Jaimala appealed to the State Government on Sunday (July 12, 2026) to establish an S. Janaki Music Study Chair at the University of Mysore in Mysuru in order to preserve the iconic singer’s vast musical legacy for future generations.

Also read: S. Janaki’s last rites in Mysuru

Paying her last respects to the legendary singer at the Maharaja College Grounds, where Janaki’s mortal remains were kept for public homage, Ms. Jaimala said establishing the study chair would be a fitting tribute to one of India’s greatest playback singers.

“The State Government should set up an S. Janaki Music Study Chair at the University of Mysore so that her musical works are preserved and her immense contribution to Indian music remains intact. It will ensure that her legacy lives on forever,” she said.

Recalling her debut film Premada Kanike (1975), in which she starred opposite Dr. Rajkumar, Ms. Jaimala said that S. Janaki sang for her for the first time in that film.

“She had a rare ability to modulate her voice to perfectly suit every actress on screen. That was her unique strength. We actors became familiar to audiences through the songs she sang for us. Her passing is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema, especially the Kannada film industry, which she loved dearly,” she said.

Describing Janaki as a simple person with a large heart, Ms. Jaimala said it was astonishing that the singer had rendered nearly 48,000 songs in more than 20 languages, a feat that remains virtually unmatched.

Tara remembers Janaki’s wit and warmth

Actor Tara, who also paid floral tributes to the legendary singer, said Janaki’s timeless songs would continue to live in the hearts of music lovers. “I feel deeply saddened that I could not meet her while she was alive. It is something I will regret throughout my life,” she said.

Tara remembered Janaki’s wit and warmth, often displayed during her concerts, and recalled her close association with legendary singers including S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela.

Her songs spread happiness: Vijay Prakash

Playback singers Vijay Prakash and Rajesh Krishnan also paid their respects to the iconic singer.

Recalling his association with Janaki, Vijay Prakash said it was difficult to accept that she was no longer among her fans.

“She will remain with us forever through her mellifluous songs. We learnt music by listening to her. Her singing showed us where we went wrong and how to improve. She breathed life into every song she rendered,” he said.

Prakash said Janaki spread only happiness through her music and was always encouraging towards young singers.

“Despite being a legendary singer, she had no airs about herself. She readily guided and mentored aspiring artistes. It is a huge loss to Indian music,” he said.

“Whenever I met her, she would tell me that I sang well, which was very encouraging,” he added.