Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passes away in Mysuru at 88

• July 12, 2026 18:49

  Jaimala seeks S. Janaki Music Chair at Mysore varsity to preserve her legacy

  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.

  Read the full story here

• July 12, 2026 18:36

  Fans seek to name Bogadi Road in Mysuru after S. Janaki

  An emotional appeal has emerged from the admirers of legendary playback singer S. Janaki to name the Mysuru-Gaddige Road (Bogadi Road) in Mysuru, where she spent the final years of her life, in her honour.

  Read the full story below:

  

  Fans seek to name Bogadi Road in Mysuru after S. Janaki

  Fans urge the State government to rename Bogadi Road in Mysuru after legendary singer S. Janaki as a tribute.

• July 12, 2026 18:26

  Singer S. Janaki consigned to flames; last rites held with full state honours

  Legendary singer S. Janaki was cremated with full state honours at a farmhouse in Kaniyanahundi near Mysuru on Sunday (July 12, 2026) evening.

  Ms. Janaki’s granddaughter Vydyula performed the last rites in the presence of her close relatives, friends and a large number of admirers.

  Earlier, Ms Janaki’s body was brought in a vehicle to the farmhouse in HD Kote taluk of the Mysuru district from Maharaja’s College grounds, where it was kept for public viewing.

  Click here to read the full story.

• July 12, 2026 17:51

  Hassan hotel owner honours S. Janaki with a book written in 2013

  Veteran playback singer S. Janaki has thousands of admirers, but unique among them is H.S. Ravi, a resident of Hassan who runs a small hotel in the town and has penned a book about the legendary singer.

  Read the fully story below

  

  Hassan hotel owner honours S. Janaki with a book written in 2013

  Hassan hotel owner H.S. Ravi honors S. Janaki with a book celebrating her contributions to Kannada film music in 2013.

• July 12, 2026 15:40

  When Janaki became the constant soundtrack of a family in Kerala

  Abhilash Pudukad, 44, skipped a heartbeat when his mobile phone was flooded with the texts of singer S. Janaki’s passing on Saturday (July 11, 2026) evening.

  For Mr. Abhilash and his parents — Ayyappan and Radhamani — Janaki was not a distant icon. She was a personal presence in their lives for over two decades, ever since Mr. Abhilash first met her in Sharjah in 2004.

  

  When Janaki became the constant soundtrack of a family in Kerala

  Abhilash Pudukad reflects on his lifelong bond with S. Janaki, the cherished voice of his family's memories in Kerala.

• July 12, 2026 15:22

  Daughter of Telugu soil: A.P. CM Naidu offers condolences

  Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the death of the singer, who hailed from Repalle in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district. He described her passing as an irreparable loss to the world of music and said her voice would continue to inspire generations.

  Read more here

• July 12, 2026 15:10

  S. Janaki: Not Kerala-born, but forever its voice

  In the vast world of music, only a few voices outlive the singers who gave them life. For generations of Keralites, S. Janaki, affectionately regarded as the State’s “adopted daughter”, was one such voice-gliding through rain-soaked evenings, temple festivals, family celebrations, and quiet moments of solitude with equal ease.

  With her passing, Kerala mourns not merely a legendary playback singer from Andhra Pradesh, but an artiste whose songs dissolved linguistic boundaries and became woven into the emotional fabric of the State’s cultural life. Over a career spanning more than six decades and thousands of recordings, her Malayalam repertoire ranged from classical melodies and devotional hymns to romantic ballads and folk-inspired tunes, becoming the emotive soundtrack of everyday life in Kerala.

  

  S. Janaki: Not Kerala-born, but forever its voice

  Kerala mourns S. Janaki, an iconic playback singer whose timeless voice transcended boundaries and enriched the state's cultural identity.

• July 12, 2026 14:31

  Will immortalise Janaki's legacy: CM Shivakumar

  Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (July 12, 2026) said that the government would accord full state honours to legendary playback singer . Janaki and would explore ways to immortalise her legacy, describing the late singer as one of India’s greatest musical icons.

  Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar said he would hold discussions with members of the film industry on measures to preserve her legacy. “One of India’s most iconic personalities, the legendary playback singer who came to be known as the ‘Gana Kogile’ (Nightingale of Song), Janaki, is no longer with us. She served our film industry in all languages for nearly 50 years,” he said.

  The Chief Minister said he had spoken to Janaki’s family on Saturday (July 11) and had offered to facilitate the transportation of her mortal remains to Chennai or Hyderabad if the family wished.

  “I asked her family, if you wanted to take her to Chennai, I will make arrangements. If you want to take her to Hyderabad, I will have her airlifted there. But they said no. Our grandmother’s final wish was to remain in Mysuru. That is why they brought her here,” he said.

  PTI

• July 12, 2026 14:17

  Janaki was second to none in talent, says Ilayaraaja

  Music director Ilaiyaraaja said singer S. Janaki had proved through every song she sang that she was second to none in talent.

  In a recorded message, he said he was deeply saddened by her death. “The news came as a great shock to me. It is painful to know that she endured countless personal tragedies in her life. Many great composers and musical geniuses across the world have gone through immense hardships,” said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja, who collaborated with Janaki on thousands of songs, beginning with Annakili, his debut film released in 1976.

  Recalling their long musical association, Mr. Ilaiyaraaja described Janaki as an exceptionally hardworking artiste. “Just as I strove relentlessly to make the fullest use of every instrument in my compositions, Janakiamma always put in more effort than I expected whenever I taught her a song,” he said.

  He also praised her talents beyond playback singing, noting that she was a gifted composer who had written and composed several devotional bhajans. “Her death is a great loss to Indian film music,” he said.

  THB

• July 12, 2026 14:10

  Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah pays his last respects

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  Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah paid his last respects to the mortal remains of legendary singer S. Janaki at Maharaja’s college grounds in Mysuru.

  Mr. Yathindra, who has been deputed to represent the Karnataka government at the funeral, said he had spoken to officials and family members and that all arrangement would be made for the rites to take place at a farm in Kaniyanahundi village in Mysuru.

  Photo: M.A. Sriram

• July 12, 2026 13:36

  Janaki's last rites to be performed by her granddaughter Apsara

  Legendary singer S. Janaki’s last rites will be performed by her granddaughter Apsara at Kaniyanahundi near Mysuru, MLA T.S. Srivatsa said on Sunday (July 12, 2026)

  State Government has announced that the last rites will be performed with full state honours.

  Singer Vijayprakash, actress Tara, actress and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce Jayamala, BJP leader B Sriramulu, were among those who paid their last respects to the departed singer at Maharaja’s College grounds.

  THB

• July 12, 2026 12:59

  Janaki had the voice for every human emotion

  Playback singer S. Janaki (88) possessed the rare ability to convey every shade of human emotion—joy, longing, sorrow, devotion, romance, mischief and maternal affection—with astonishing ease. Her songs remain woven into the cultural memory of South India.

  During a career spanning more than six decades, she worked with successive generations of composers, beginning with T. Chalapathi Rao, who introduced her to films, and later M.D. Parthasarathy, G. Ramanathan, M.B. Srinivasan, K.V. Mahadevan and M.S. Viswanathan.

  

  S. Janaki who had the voice for every human emotion

  S. Janaki, renowned playback singer, masterfully conveyed human emotions through unforgettable songs, shaping South Indian music for decades.

• July 12, 2026 12:35

  A song in memory of the singing legend

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  Participants of the reality show Saregama render a song in memory of singer S. Janaki. Photo: M A Sriram

• July 12, 2026 12:13

  When S. Janaki rejected the Padma Bhushan

  Having sung thousands of songs across multiple languages for nearly half a century, when the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan upon S. Janaki in 2013, she rejected the award, describing it as having come too late for her.

  When the Government of India announced the Padma awards on the eve of Republic Day in 2013, S. Janaki was chosen for the Padma Bhushan. However, she refused to accept it. “I am not finding fault with anyone for this late recognition. I have no grouse against the government. I was happy that the government has honoured me,” she said.

  

  When S. Janaki rejected the Padma Bhushan

  S. Janaki rejected the Padma Bhushan, advocating for greater recognition of artists while alive and deserving of the Bharat Ratna.

• July 12, 2026 12:03

  In queue: People arrive to pay last respects at Maharaja's College grounds, Mysuru

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  Long queue at Maharaja’s College grounds in Mysuru where the mortal remains of legendary singer S. Janaki has been kept for public viewing. 

  Photo: M.A. Sriram

• July 12, 2026 11:48

  Hamsalekha makes an appeal for Janaki's Memorial in Mysuru

  Renowned music composer Hamsalakha made an appeal for the setting up of a memorial for singer S. Janaki in Mysuru.

  Speaking to reporters after paying his last respects to the legendary singer at Maharajas college grounds in Mysuru on Sunday (July 12, 2026), Mr. Hamsalekha said the music industry is keen on setting up a meditation centre and music school at the farm in Kaniyanahundi near Mysuru, where her last rites are scheduled to be held on Sunday evening.

  He appealed to the State Government to extend its support to the venture.

  He recalled Janaki’s wishes to have her final resting place in Mysuru and said a memorial in her honour will be a befitting tribute to her contribution to the world of cinema.

  The Hindu Bureau

• July 12, 2026 11:26

  Janaki will be alive through her songs, say Vizianagaram cultural groups

  Legendary singer S. Janaki, who passed away on Saturday (July 11, 2026), would continue to live in people’s hearts as they can continue to listen to her songs forever, said representatives of various cultural organisations in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram. They recalled their association with the singer who participated in several concerts in the historical city.

  

  Legendary singer S. Janaki will be alive through her songs, say Vizianagaram cultural groups

  S. Janaki’s legacy endures through her music, celebrated by Vizianagaram’s cultural organizations after her recent passing.

• July 12, 2026 11:05

  In picture: Noted music composer Hamsalekha pays his last respects

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  Noted music composer Hamsalekha offered his last respects to S. Janaki at Maharaja’s college grounds in Mysuru on Sunday morning (July 12, 2026). He was accompanied by his wife Latha Hamsalekha. 

  Photo: M.A. Sriram

• July 12, 2026 10:33

  Janaki had expressed a desire for last rites to be held in Mysuru: Minister Yathindra

  Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who has been deputed to represent the Karnataka government at the funeral, said he had spoken to officials and family members, and that Janaki’s mortal remains would be placed at Maharaja’s College Grounds in Mysuru city for the public to pay their last respects. 

  Stating that Janaki had expressed a desire for her last rites to be held in Mysuru, he said that, according to the family, the rites would take place at a farm in Kaniyanahundi village in Mysuru, and all arrangements would be made there. 

  The veteran singer was living at a farm house on the city outskirts for the past six years. Last rites will be performed in the evening, said the Minister. 

  The Hindu Bureau

• July 12, 2026 10:03

  People stream into Mysuru's Maharaja's College grounds to pay final tributes

  WhatsApp Image 2026-07-12 at 09.51.22.jpeg

• July 12, 2026 09:59

  S. Janaki (1938-2026) — A collection recalling the singer's pan-India career

  S. Janaki, the legendary singer who dominated South Indian cinema for decades, passed away in Mysuru on Saturday (July 11, 2026), aged 88.

  Here is the full coverage of the tributes published by The Hindu for the nightingale who left behind a lot of sweet memories and melodies:

  

  S. Janaki (1938-2026) — A collection recalling the singer's pan-India career

  Remembering S. Janaki: The legendary playback singer's remarkable career and lasting impact on South Indian cinema.

• July 12, 2026 09:56

  Actor Karthi condoles passing away of Janaki Amma

  Actor Karthi expresses heartfelt condolences to S. Janaki’s family, loved ones and millions of admirers.

• July 12, 2026 09:30

  Amit Shah expresses grief over Janaki Amma's passing

  Union Minister Amit Shah expresses grief over the passing away of legendary singer Janaki Amma.

• July 12, 2026 09:27

  Janaki Amma, the voice of the South

  In these weeks of departures, be it Bharathiraja and K. Bhagyaraj, Janaki’s move into the mists of time, is the latest blow. Her sound remained intrinsic to most Indians, especially south of the Vindhyas. Be it Tamil, Kannada, Telugu or Malayalam, every fan from these Dravidian languages will have a favourite Janaki song, and one that made them believe that she belonged to their State.

  Continue reading the tribute here:

  ​

  

  The voice of the south

  Remembering S. Janaki, the iconic South Indian playback singer whose melodies touched millions and captured timeless emotions.

  ​

• July 12, 2026 09:01

  President Droupadi Murmu condoles S. Janaki's passing

  President Droupadi Murmu expresses condolences at the passing of legendary singer S. Janaki.

• July 12, 2026 08:09

  Condolences pour in from political leaders across parties for S. Janaki

  Leaders and politicians across political parties mourned the death of veteran playback singer S. Janaki and paid heartfelt tributes to her.

  Continue reading the tributes here:

  

  Condolences pour in from political leaders across parties for S. Janaki

  Political leaders across parties condole S. Janaki's passing, praise her songs as transcending boundaries.

• July 12, 2026 07:33

  S. Janaki: Not Kerala-born, but forever its voice

  With her passing, Kerala mourns not merely a legendary playback singer from Andhra Pradesh, but an artiste whose songs dissolved linguistic boundaries and became woven into the emotional fabric of the State’s cultural life.

  Continue reading the tribute here:

  

  S. Janaki: Not Kerala-born, but forever its voice

  Kerala mourns S. Janaki, an iconic playback singer whose timeless voice transcended boundaries and enriched the state's cultural identity.

• July 12, 2026 07:15

  PM Narendra Modi condoles Janaki's passing away

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the late singer S. Janaki’s family, countless admirers and the entire music fraternity.

• July 12, 2026 06:58

  A lullaby falls silent: Kannada cinema bids farewell to S. Janaki

  With the passing of the playback singing great at 88, a vital chapter in the history of Kannada cinema comes to an end. Among the tributes that poured in from the Kannada music and film fraternities, one sentiment stood out: her extraordinary versatility.

  Continue reading the tribute here:

  

  A lullaby falls silent: Kannada cinema bids farewell to S. Janaki

  Kannada cinema mourns the loss of S. Janaki, celebrating her extraordinary versatility and lasting musical legacy.

• July 12, 2026 06:39

  When Bollywood jived to S. Janaki’s infectious voice

  In the 1980s, when there was a massive influx of South Indian production houses into Bollywood, remaking South Indian hits into Hindi, Janaki emerged as a pan-Indian voice.

  Read the tribute here:

  

  S. Janaki’s vocal genius transcended musical and linguistic boundaries, making her a pan-Indian star

  Explore S. Janaki's extraordinary journey as a pan-Indian musical icon, blending classical and contemporary genres across Bollywood.

• July 12, 2026 05:16

  S. Janaki: The Isai Arasi who established the voice of the rural, female heroine

  If Bharathiraja taught people how to look at villages, then it was certainly S. Janaki who taught them to listen to the women in these villages. 

  

  S. Janaki: The Isai Arasi who established the voice of the rural, female heroine

  Explore S. Janaki's transformative voice that shaped rural heroines' emotions in Tamil cinema alongside Bharathiraja's vivid storytelling.

• July 12, 2026 02:45

  Actors and musicians pay rich tributes to legendary singer S. Janaki

  Film actors and musicians from across the entertainment industry paid rich tributes following the demise of the legendary playback singer S. Janaki on Saturday. They hailed her extraordinary contribution to Indian music and humility.

  

  Actors and musicians pay rich tributes to legendary singer S. Janaki

  Actors and musicians pay rich tributes to legendary singer S. Janaki, hail her extraordinary contribution to Indian music and humility

• July 12, 2026 00:50

  The nightingale who stole Kerala’s heart

  S. Janaki remained the eternal favourite of generations of music lovers in Kerala, though never for the want of alternatives. There were stalwarts when she first arrived on the scene, and equally formidable voices when she thrived. None of them were mere pushovers, but legends in their own right such as P. Leela, P. Susheela, and Vani Jayaram. Yet casual listeners, more often than not, chose Janaki.

  Read the tribute here:

  

  The nightingale who stole Kerala’s heart

  Discover S. Janaki, Kerala's beloved Nightingale, whose enchanting voice and charm captivated generations of music lovers.

• July 12, 2026 00:06

  S. Janaki’s vocal genius transcended musical and linguistic boundaries, making her a pan-Indian star

  S. Janaki walked into the strobe lights of Bollywood in 1985 with Bappi Lahiri’s ‘Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re’ (Saheb), where her classical perfection met the raw, uninhabited pulse of Bombay’s disco. Her velvety rendering of the opening hook, ‘Sona nahi, chaandi nahi...’ was delivered with a unique, slightly nasal, yet incredibly sweet timbre that stood completely apart from the prevailing voices of the era.

  Read the tribute here:

  

  S. Janaki’s vocal genius transcended musical and linguistic boundaries, making her a pan-Indian star

  Explore S. Janaki's extraordinary journey as a pan-Indian musical icon, blending classical and contemporary genres across Bollywood.

• July 11, 2026 23:35

  End of an era: Pinarayi Vijayan

  “The passing of S. Janaki marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian cinema and music. She may have come from another state, but her voice found a home in every Malayali heart. With every song, she gave expression to our deepest emotions and became part of our memories and our lives,” wrote former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on X.

• July 11, 2026 22:47

  S. Janaki’s early life in Telangana village shaped her interest in film music

  Her career in Telugu cinema began in 1957 with the film MLA, when she sang ‘Nee Aasa Adiyaasa’ and ‘Idenandi Idenandi Bhagyanagaramu’ to Pendyala Nageshwar Rao’s music. The same year saw her record songs across languages, including Kannada and Tamil, showcasing her linguistic prowess. Her early Telugu films included Kutumba Gowravam, Anna Thammudu and Bava Maradalu. 

  Read more

• July 11, 2026 22:38

  S. Janaki’s fresh voice, improvisation made Kerala groove to her tunes

  At a time when Malayalam film music was still finding its feet, came Thaliritta Kinakkal as a whiff of fresh air. The unified Kerala State was on the cusp of a whole new era in all walks of life, and the voice of S. Janaki sounded similar to that of the ubiquitous koel in its verdant vistas. 

  Set to tune by composer M.S. Baburaj, the song penned by poet-lyricist P. Bhaskaran was an instant hit in 1963 for its effusive exposition of love and longing, and it made Janaki a household name in no time. That the song hasn’t lost its sheen a wee bit to date is testimony to its lasting appeal.

  

  S. Janaki’s fresh voice, improvisation made Kerala groove to her tunes

  At a time when Malayalam film music was still finding its feet came Thaliritta Kinakkal as a whiff of fresh air. The unified Kerala State was on the cusp of a whole new era in all walks of life, and the voice of S. Janaki sounded similar to that of the ubiquitous koel in its verdant vistas.  

• July 11, 2026 22:34

  Kerala remembers the divine voice of S. Janaki

  Tributes pour in from Kerala’s music world, where S. Janaki reigned over film and devotional music for decades.

  Music composer Vidhyadharan, who had Janaki sing for his debut film Aagamanam, directed by Jeassy, as well as five devotional songs, described her as “immortal.”

  “Her mesmerising voice was a gift directly from God. It could not have been trained or acquired. She had this rare ability to master even the toughest compositions in the shortest time and render them pitch-perfect. Her tonal purity was such that it felt as though her voice carried the resonance of a tambura,” said prolific lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.

  Click here to read more

• July 11, 2026 22:29

  Pallapatla mourns its illustrious daughter S. Janaki

  Legendary playback singer Sistla Janaki, popularly known as S. Janaki, whose voice captivated generations of music lovers across India, was born and spent part of her childhood in Pallapatla village near Repalle in present-day Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh.

  Residents of Pallapatla recall their association with the iconic singer with pride and nostalgia.

  Read more

• July 11, 2026 22:09

  Janaki’s health condition was critical on admission, the hospital said in a statement

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  THB

• July 11, 2026 21:50

  Last rites to be held at Kaniyyanahundi village in Mysuru

  The mortal remains will be kept at Maharaja’s College Grounds in the heart of the city for members of the public to pay their last respects. Thousands of fans are expected to arrive in Mysuru tomorrow to pay their last tributes. Karnaka minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah tells the district administration to make all necessary arrangements for last rites.

  THB

• July 11, 2026 21:45

  An inconsolable sorrow exists for many: Kamal Haasan

  “The song will forever keep resounding. Where shall I seek that love, Mother?,” wrote actor and politician Kamal Haasan on X

• July 11, 2026 21:42

  Tracing Janaki's remarkable journey

  The legendary playback singer S. Janaki’s extraordinary voice dominated South Indian cinema for decades, and her songs continue to resonate across generations

  Here are glimpses of her incredible journey

• July 11, 2026 21:38

  She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers in the South Indian film music world: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

• July 11, 2026 21:36

  Karnataka minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and family members expected to speak to media soon on the last rites

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  Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and family members holding discussions inside the hospital ward.

  Shankar Bennur

• July 11, 2026 21:32

  She left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family: Janaki's granddaughter

  “While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music,” wrote Apsara Vydyula in a post on Instagram.

  She further wrote: “To the world she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness, and grace will remain with us forever.”

• July 11, 2026 21:25

  She built an unparalleled musical legacy with her timeless voice, stated Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu

• July 11, 2026 21:18

  "Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music: HD Kumaraswamy

  ”Her immense contribution to Indian music will be cherished forever. A daughter of Telugu soil, she built an unparalleled musical legacy spanning over six decades, touching generations with her timeless voice,” stated HD Kumaraswamy on X

• July 11, 2026 21:14

  Fans gather in large numbers at the hospital on hearing the news of the singer’s demise

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  Photo credit: Shankar Bennur

• July 11, 2026 21:12

  Karnataka minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah arrives at the hospital to pay his last respects

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• July 11, 2026 21:11

  Death of the unparalleled playback singer has delivered a profound shock, says Karnataka CM

• July 11, 2026 21:07

  The voice for every emotion passes away

  Janaki won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for “Senthoora Poove” from 16 Vayathinile, the debut directorial venture of Bharathiraja, who passed away recently.

  Read more

• July 11, 2026 20:59

  Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passes away

  Veteran playback singer S Janaki died at the age of 88 in Mysuru in Karnataka on Saturday (July 11, 2026).

  She was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Mysuru in the early hours of Saturday (July 11, 2026) after she developed health complications. People who were looking after her shifted the singer to the hospital. She, however, did not respond to treatment and breathed her last in the evening, according to family sources. The veteran singer was residing at Bogadi in Mysuru since past few years.

  

  Veteran playback singer S. Janaki passes away

  Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, renowned for her contributions to South Indian cinema, passes away at 88 in Mysuru.

  THB