S Janaki Given Full State Honours in Mysuru Farewell; Granddaughter Apsara Says ‘There Is No Goodbye’.
The voice that shaped generations of Indian cinema may have fallen silent, but S Janaki’s music will continue to live on, her family said as the legendary playback singer was laid to rest in Mysuru on Sunday.
Janaki’s final rites were conducted with full state honours at her family farmhouse in Kaniyanahundi on H.D. Kote Road, in accordance with her wish to have her final journey in Mysuru.
The 88-year-old singer passed away on Saturday, July 11, after suffering multiple cardiac arrests while undergoing treatment at Apollo BGS Hospital in Mysuru.
Before the funeral, thousands gathered at Maharaja’s College Grounds, where Janaki’s mortal remains were placed from Sunday morning for people to pay their final respects.
Fans, members of the film and music industry, and political leaders visited the venue to honour the legendary singer before the last rites were held at 5pm.
Speaking to reporters at the funeral, as quoted by Indian Express, Janaki’s granddaughter Apsara said her grandmother’s passing was a loss that extended far beyond the family.
“This is a great loss, not just to our family, but to the entire nation and the world,” Apsara said, recalling Janaki’s exceptional ability to convey deep emotion through her voice.
She said Janaki’s expressive style of singing was something every listener could recognise, adding that her artistry was truly unique and could never be replicated.
Apsara described the veteran playback singer as an artist who created a distinct place for herself in the world of music.
“My grandmother was one of a kind; anyone who knew her would say the same. She was very special to the world and an extraordinary talent,” Apsara said.
Beyond Janaki’s legacy as a celebrated singer who recorded thousands of songs, Apsara said she would remember her most for the warmth she brought to the family.
“I will remember her as my grandmother — kind, generous, and always full of love and laughter,” she said.
Reflecting on the values and lessons she gained from Janaki, Apsara said her grandmother’s influence went far beyond her remarkable career in music.
“I feel deeply honoured to have been her granddaughter in this lifetime. I learned so much from her — not only from her journey as a celebrated artist, but also from her role as my grandmother,” Apsara said.
She also spoke about Janaki’s compassion for animals, describing it as one of the many qualities that made her grandmother special.
For Apsara, Janaki’s passing does not mark an end, but a continuation through the music and memories she left behind.
“She will be greatly missed, but she will live on forever through her music. That is what we have now. We are always connected. There is no goodbye,” she said.
Janaki’s death drew tributes from political leaders and members of India’s entertainment industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her passing as “an irreparable loss to the world of music and culture,” praising the way her songs captured a wide range of emotions with exceptional grace and versatility.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay honoured Janaki’s immense contribution to Indian music, highlighting her thousands of songs across multiple languages and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu remembered Janaki as “a daughter of Telugu soil” who created “an unparalleled musical legacy.”
