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.

Away in Abu Dhabi, he fervently hoped it was just another of those rumours that had surfaced six years ago, about which he had later joked with “Janaki Amma,” as he fondly called her. After all, he had spoken to her over a video call less than a fortnight ago, on June 29. In a state of panic, Mr. Abhilash switched on news channels and scoured the Internet, which instantly dashed his hopes. Reality dawned on him that Janaki Amma was no more.