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
