14/07/2026
Every South Indian music lover has a favourite S. Janaki song.
Whether it was 'Thenum Vayambum' in Malayalam, 'Chinna Thayaval' in Tamil, 'Naguva Nayana' in Kannada, or 'Puvvu Navennu' in Telugu, Janaki Amma never just sang a song, she became its emotion. Love, longing, joy, heartbreak, every note felt lived, never performed.
She sang in Hindi and Sinhala too, but it was across the South that she became home. So much so that every State believed she belonged to them.
Yet, beyond all the applause, Janaki Amma carried herself with the simplicity of an ordinary person—quiet, humble, almost saint-like.
At 88, the nightingale has fallen silent. But every time an old melody begins to play, she'll remind us of something beautiful: great art never really says goodbye.
[S Janaki Tribute, RIP Janaki Amma, South Indian music, Playback singer, Ilaiyaraaja]
