PM Modi Mourns S Janaki's Demise, Calls Her Death an Irreparable Loss to Indian Music
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid heartfelt tribute to legendary playback singer S Janaki, calling her demise an "irreparable loss" to India's music and cultural heritage. He said her extraordinary voice and timeless songs would continue to inspire generations of music lovers.
Expressing his condolences in a post on X, the Prime Minister praised Janaki's remarkable contribution to Indian cinema and music, highlighting her ability to touch hearts across languages and generations.
"The passing of the distinguished playback singer S. Janaki Amma is an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture. Her songs in various languages were popular across generations. They gave voice to every emotion with unparalleled grace as well as versatility. Her melodies will continue to enchant listeners in the years to come," PM Modi wrote.
"The passing of the distinguished playback singer S. Janaki Amma is an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture. Her songs in various languages were popular across generations. They gave voice to every emotion with unparalleled grace as well as versatility. Her melodies will continue to enchant listeners in the years to come," PM Modi wrote.
Offering condolences to her family and admirers, he added, "My heartfelt condolences to her family, countless admirers and the entire music fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
The passing of the distinguished playback singer S. Janaki Amma is an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture. Her songs in various languages were popular across generations. They gave voice to every emotion with unparalleled grace as well as versatility. Her melodies…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2026
Veteran playback, fondly known as Janaki Amma, died on Saturday at a private hospital in Mysuru following age-related health issues. She was 88.
S Janaki was one of India's most celebrated playback singers, with a musical career spanning over six decades. She recorded over 40,000 songs in around 20 Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Tulu, Urdu and Punjabi, earning widespread acclaim for her unmatched versatility, expressive singing and exceptional vocal range.
Her soulful voice became an integral part of Indian cinema, with countless evergreen songs that continue to resonate with audiences. Throughout her illustrious career, she worked with some of the country's greatest composers and filmmakers, leaving an indelible mark on Indian film music.
S Janaki received four National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, in addition to numerous state honours, in recognition of her immense contribution to music. Beyond her technical brilliance, she was admired for bringing deep emotion and authenticity to every performance.
Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from political leaders, musicians, actors and fans across the country, all remembering her as one of the greatest and most influential voices in the history of Indian playback singing.
