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. The celebrated singer passed away on Saturday, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy spanning more than six decades.

Residents of Pallapatla recalled their association with the iconic singer with pride and nostalgia. Sambasiva Rao Vogiboyina, 50, told The Hindu that S. Janaki spent her early childhood in the village before her family moved elsewhere. He said the family owned a large ancestral house in Pallapatla, which stood in a dilapidated condition until it was demolished about a decade ago. According to him, the family continues to own some property in the village.

Mr. Rao said S. Janaki had planned to visit Pallapatla to take part in the consecration ceremony following the renovation of a village temple. However, the visit did not materialise due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telugu film director Dileep Raja, a native of Tenali in Guntur district, said S. Janaki was the only legendary playback singer to have hailed from the coastal belt around Repalle, making her an enduring source of pride for the people of the region.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the veteran playback singer, whom he described as the beloved “Nightingale of South India”. In a post on X, Mr. Naidu said that, as a daughter of Telugu soil, S. Janaki had built an unparalleled musical legacy spanning more than six decades, touching generations with her timeless voice. Her immense contribution to Indian music would be cherished forever, he said, while conveying his heartfelt condolences to her family, admirers and the music fraternity.