V.D. Satheesan condoles S. Janaki’s demise, says she was ‘the voice that captivated generations’

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan paid homage to S. Janaki, the celebrated playback singer who passed away on Saturday (July 11, 2026) aged 88, saying that her contributions to Indian film music transcended the title ‘the nightingale of south India.’

Calling Ms. Janaki his favourite singer, the Chief Minister said that her voice stole the hearts of generations. “For more than six decades, she astonished the world of Indian film music with the sweetness of her voice. Although Malayalam was not her mother tongue, the songs she sang in the language remain close to every Keralite’s heart for the clarity of pronunciation and depth of feeling,” Mr. Satheesan said in a condolence message.

For Keralites, Ms. Janaki became nothing less than a family member through the love and affection bestowed by her music, he said.

In a condolence message, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the passing of S. Janaki marked 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,” Mr. Vijayan said on X. Her music will continue to resonate across generations, and her extraordinary legacy will endure forever, he said.