Rajinikanth, CM Vijay, Kamal Haasan and others pour tributes as legendary singer S Janaki passes away at 88: ‘Irreplaceable loss to the Indian music world’ |

Legendary playback singer S Janaki, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. Heartfelt tributes from across the Indian film industry have started pouring in, as soon as the news of her demise came in. Celebrated for a career spanning more than 20 languages and over 48,000 songs, Janaki’s extraordinary musical legacy touched generations of listeners through her work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and several other languages.Among the first to pay tribute was Rajinikanth, who shared a message in Tamil on X (formerly Twitter): “May her soul, who delighted generations of people with her honey-sweet voice, attain peace (folded hands emoji) #JanakiAmma.”Singer Chinmayi Sripaada also honoured Janaki with a deeply personal remembrance, recalling the first time she witnessed her perform live. “She was a Goddess. I once had the chance to sing with her in a show in Australia perhaps 20-23 years ago. She sang a song live on stage where she sounded like a child, like a woman AND a Man. I was backstage and was wondering who the male singer was until I learned she was singing it all.” She further wrote, “She is a singer I look up to. She will perhaps be Singara Velane Deva to Muruga up there.”Janaki shared a long musical association with Rajinikanth, lending her voice to several memorablesongs from ‘Mannan’, ‘Thalapathi’ and ‘Anbulla Rajinikanth’, including Adikuthu Kuliru, Sundari Kannal Oru Seithi and Then Poove Poove Vaa.Kamal Haasan, who also collaborated with Janaki on numerous iconic songs, posted a poetic tribute that translates to: “The song will keep echoing forever. Mother, where will I go to find that love again? Many people carry a sorrow they can never lay down. My deepest condolences to all of them.” Janaki’s unforgettable renditions in his films include ‘Unnai Naan’ and ‘Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan’ from ‘Gunaa’, ‘Sendhoora Poove’ from ’16 Vayathinile’ and ‘Ponmeni Uruguthey’ from ‘Moondram Pirai’.Offering his condolences, Joseph Vijay said, “The passing of Mrs. S. Janaki, the legendary playback singer who has won the hearts of multiple generations with her unique voice in the Indian film music world, brings immense sorrow. Having sung thousands of songs in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and more, she has left an indelible mark on the music world.”Reflecting on her unparalleled contribution to Indian music, Vijay added, “Recipient of countless prestigious awards, including multiple National Film Awards, she will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans through her sweet voice, exceptional ability to convey emotions, and unwavering dedication to music. Her demise is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian music world. I convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to her grieving family, the film fraternity, music artists, and her fans across the globe.”Actor Simran reflected on Janaki’s enduring influence through an emotional note. “Some voices become a part of our lives forever, and Janaki Amma’s was one of them. She gave life to emotions through her music and created memories that generations will cherish. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but her songs will continue to live in our hearts forever. Deepest condolences loved ones. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti,” Simran shared.