S. Janaki

Sistla Janaki (born 23 April 1938) is an Indian playback singer and occasional music composer from Andhra Pradesh. She is referred to respectfully as "Janaki Amma" and Nightingale of South India. She is one of the best-known playback singers in India. She is referred to as 'Isaikkuyil' in Tamil Nadu and 'Gaana Kogile' (Singing Cuckoo) in Karnataka. She has recorded over 48,000 songs in films, albums, TV and Radio which includes solos, duets, chorus and title tracks in 17 languages including
Telugu, Kannada, Tamil , Malayalam, Hindi, Sanskrit, Odia,Tulu, Urdu, Badaga, Bengali, Konkani and also in foreign languages such as English, Japanese, German, and Sinhala. However the highest number of songs in her career were in Kannada, followed by Malayalam. Starting in 1957 with the Tamil film ''Vidhiyin Vilayattu'', her career has spanned over six decades.

She has won four National Film Awards and 33 different State Film Awards. She is the recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore, the Kalaimamani award from Government of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Rajyotsava award from Government of Karnataka In 2013, she refused to accept Padma Bhushan, and pointed that it is too little and had come "too late" and that South Indian artists were not given their due recognition.

Widely acclaimed as one of the most versatile singers, her association with singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and composer Ilaiyaraaja is most talked about. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s her duets with P. B. Srinivas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran and Dr. Rajkumar topped the charts across all the South Indian languages. She has sung in almost all the genres of songs and has performed live on stages in more than 5000 concerts across the globe. She is the only singer to have sung 100 songs in 4 South Indian languages (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam) in the very first year of her career. In October 2016, Janaki announced her retirement from singing for films and stage appearances. However, under pressure from the film fraternity, she made a comeback for the Tamil film ''Pannadi'' in 2018.

Early life and family

Janaki was born on 23 April in Pallapatla, Repalle Taluka, in Guntur, Madras Presidency, British India (now in Andhra Pradesh). Her father, Sreeramamurthy Sistla was an Ayurvedic doctor and teacher. She spent most of her childhood in Sircilla where she got her first on stage performance opportunity at the age of nine. She learnt the basics of music through a Nadaswaram vidwan Paidiswamy. However she never pursued any formal training in the classical music.

Janaki married V. Ramprasad in 1959. He encouraged her career and accompanied her during most of her recordings. He died in 1997 due to cardiac arrest. Their only son Murali Krishna resides in Hyderabad and
his wife Uma Muralikrishna is a Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer.

Janaki can fluently converse and write in 5 Indian languages – Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.Legendary singer S.Janaki interview
YouTube. Retrieved 6 June 2021.

Career

While in her twenties, Janaki moved to Chennai on the advice of her uncle, to work with Music composer R. Sudarsanam in AVM Studios as a singer. She started her career as a playback singer in the Tamil movie ''Vidhiyin Vilayattu'' in 1957. Subsequently, she performed in the Telugu film '' M.L.A.''. She sang film songs in 6 languages in her very first year.
She picked a Malayalam lullaby "Amma Poovinum" from '' 10 Kalpanakal'' as her swansong of her 60-year singing career and retired on 28 October 2017 with a concert held at Mysuru .

Kannada films

S Janaki's highest number of songs are in Kannada. Her solos and duets, with P B Srinivas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Dr. Rajkumar are considered evergreen.

Janaki sang her first Kannada song in 1957. By the early 60s, she had started working with many prominent music composers. Throughout the 1970s and 80s she remained the number one female playback singer in Kannada films. Most of the music directors, from G. K. Venkatesh, Rajan–Nagendra to Hamsalekha, gave her most of their top compositions.

She has a record number of duets with P B Srinivas, S P Balasubrahmanyam and Dr Rajkumar. She was awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava awarded in 2014. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore for her contributions to Kannada film and music.

Some of her top hit solos in Kannada cinema are:
* "Shiva shiva ennada naaligeyeke" Hemavathi (film) (1977)
* "Poojisalende Hoogala" Eradu Kanasu (1974)
* "Gaganavu Ello" Gejje Pooje (1969)
* "Omme Ninnanu" Gaali Maathu (1981)
* "Gaaligopura Ninnashatheera" Nanda Deepa (1963)
* "Nambide Ninna" Sandhya Raga (1966)
* "Barede Neenu" Seetha (1970 film)
* "Banallu Neene" Bayalu Daari (1976)
* "Karedaru Kelade" Sanaadi Appanna (1977)
* "Deepavu Ninnade" Mysore Mallige (film) (1992)
* "Bharatha Bhooshira" Upasane (1974)
* "Sukhada Swapna Gaana" Mareyada Haadu (1981)
* "Thangaliyalli Naanu" Janma Janmada Anubandha (1980)
* "Akasha Deepavu Neenu" Pavana Ganga (1977)
* "Aaseya Bhava Olavina Jeeva" Mangalya Bhagya (1976)
* "Devara Aata" Avala Hejje (1981)
* "Hoovinda Hoovige" Hombisilu (1978)
* "Nagu Endhidhe" Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983)
* "Panchama Veda" Gejje Pooje (1969)
* "Kareye Kogile" Navajeevana (1964)
* "Yava Janmadha Maithri" Gowri (1963 film)
* "Pogadirelo Ranga" Haalu Jenu (1982)
* "Naa Mechchidha" Naa Mechida Huduga (1972)
* "Hele Gelathi" Kesarina Kamala (1973)
* "Thanu Ninnadu" Ibbani Karagithu (1983)
* "Maguve Ninna Hoonage" Gejje Pooje (1969)
* "Nee Yaro Enosaka" Hasiru Thorana (1970)
* "Nodu Baa Nodu Baa" Miss Leelavathi (1965)
* "Baagila Theredhiruve" Premanubandha (1981)
* "Bhuvaneshwariya Nene" Mareyada Haadu (1981)
* "Indu Enage Govinda" Eradu Kanasu (1974)
* "Kamalada Mogadole" Hosa Ithihaasa (1984)
* "Mahalaksmi Manege" Lakshmi Kataksha (1985)
* "Oh Panduranga" Sathi Sakkubai (1985)
* "Hagalo Irulo" Mayura (film) (1975)
* "Aadona Baa Baa Gopala" Malli Maduve (1963)
* "Kandu Kandu Nee" Bhale Adrushtavo Adrushta (1971)
* "Aacharavilladha Nalige" Upasane (1974)
* "Hoovondu Beku Ballige" Pavana Ganga (1977)
* "Ragavendra- Bidenu Ninna Pada" Naa Ninna Bidalare (1979)
* "Kangalu Thumbiralu" Chandanada Gombe (1979)
* "Olavina Gelayane" Naniruvude Ninagagi (1979)
* "Manase Nagaleke" Namma Makkalu (1969)
* "Nagisalu Neenu" Gaali Maathu (1981)

Malayalam films

S Janaki and Malayalam songs are inseparable, she sang her first Malayalam song back in 1957. She practiced the correct accent and the nuances of the language which later made her one of the most sought after singers in the industry. She was the favorite of many popular music composers like V Dakshinamoorthi, MS Baburaj, Shyam, MB Sreenivasan, A.T.Ummer, and Salil Choudhary.

S Janaki went on to sing thousands of songs from early 1960s to mid 80s. She received her first Kerala state film award for best singer in 1970 and went on to win the same almost every year for the next 15 years. It was her command over the language and perfect diction that took her to great heights in Malayalam films. S Janaki is perhaps the only non-Malayali artist who has won maximum awards in Malayalam films.

Some of her hit solo tracks in Malayalam films are:
* "Thaliritta Kinaakkal" Moodupadam (1963)
* "Sooryakaanthi" Kattuthulasi (1965)
* "Aa Nimishathinte" Chandrakantham (1974)
* "Unni Arariro" Avalude Ravukal (1978)
* "Mazhavil Kodi Kavadi" Swapnam (1973)
* "Unaroo Vegam Nee" Moodalmanju (1970)
* "Vasantha Panchami Naalil" Bhargavi Nilayam (1964)
* "Sandhye Kanneerithende" Madanolsavam (1978)
* "Malarkodi Pole" Vishukanni (1977)
* "Mizhiyoram" Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980)
* "Mouname Nirayum" Thakara (1980)
* "Naadha Neevarum Kaalocha" Chamaram (1980)
* "Thenum Vayambum" Thenum Vayambum (1981)
* "Thumbi Vaa Thumbakudathin" Olangal (1982)
* "Swarna Mukile" Ithu Njangalude Katha (1982)
* "Moham Kondu Njan" Shesham Kazhchayil (1985)
* "Konchi Karayalle" Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kaathu (1986)
* "Olathumbathirunnu" Pappayude Swantham Appoos (1992)
* "Kaikkudanna Niraye" Mayamayooram (1993)
* "Sarapoli Mala" 19 April (1996)
* "Amma Poovinum" 10 Kalpanakal (2016)

Tamil films

S Janaki sang her first Tamil song in 1957. The song ''Singaravelane Deva'' from the movie ''Konjum Salangai'' brought her to limelight in Tamil films. M. S. Viswanathan gave her many hit songs every year throughout 60s and early 70s. It was the song ''Unnidathil ennaik kodutthen'' Avalukendru Or Manam (1971) that consolidated her position as the most promising singer thereafter.

She sang many songs under many famous composers. Ilaiyaraaja – S. P. Balasubrahmanyam- S Janaki combination gave hit after hit from mid 1970s till 1990s. S Janaki is the only singer who has won state awards under the oft-called top three music composers of the state ( M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman).

Some of her best solos in Tamil cinema are:
* "Singara Velane deva" Konjum Salangai (1962)
* "Indha Mandrathil Odi Varum" Policekaran Magal (1962)
* "Kannan Mananilayai" Deivathin Deivam (1962)
* "Azhagiya Megangal" Ganga Gowri(1973)
* Annakkili (1976)
*# "Annakkili Unnai"
*# "Machana Parthingala"
*# "Sudhachamba Patcharisi"
* "Sendhoora Poove" 16 Vayathinile (1977)
* "Kuyile Kavikkuyile" Kavikkuyil (1977)
* "Azhagiya Kanne" Uthiripookkal (1979)
* "Kaatril Endhan" Johnny (1980)
* "Dhoorathil Naan Kanda Un Mugam" Nizhalgal (1980)
* Ullasa Paravaigal (1980)
*# "Azhagu Aayiram"
*# "Naan Undan Thaayaaga"
* "Idhu Oru Nila Kaalam" Tik Tik Tik (1981)
* "Putham Pudhu Kaalai" Alaigal Oivathillai (1981)
* "Sangeethame" Koyil Puraa (1981)
* "Ponmeni Urugudhe" Moondram Pirai (1982)
* "Naatham En Jeevanae" Kaadhal Oviyam (1982)
* "Ponvaanam Panneer Thoovuthu" Indru Nee Nalai Naan(1983)
* "Azhagu Malaraada" '' Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal'' (1984)
* "Pillai Nila" ''Neengal Kettavai'' (1984)
* "Poove Pani Poove" '' Nilavu Suduvathillai'' (1984)
* Naan Paadum Paadal(1984)
*# "Paadavaa Un Paadalai"
*# "Devan Kovil "
* "Andha Indhiralogamey" ''Ponnu Pudichirukku'' (1984)
* Mouna Ragam (1986)
*# "Chinna Chinna Vannakuyil"
*# "Oho Megam Vanthatho"
* "Raasave Unna Nambi" Muthal Mariyathai (1985)
* "Vaidhegi Raman" Pagal Nilavu (1985)
* "Ooru Sanam" Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu (1986)
* "Kannan Manam yenna" Vasantha Raagam (1986)
* "Panneeril Nanaintha" Uyire Unakkaga (1986)
* "Manthira Punnagaiyo" Mandhira Punnagai (1986)
* "Kannan Vanthu" Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987)
* "Neeradi Vaa Thenrale" Mangai Oru Gangai (1987)
* "Radha Azhaikkiral" Therkathi Kallan (1987)
* Agni Natchathiram
*# "Oru Poonga Vanam"
*# "Roja Poo Adivanthathu"
* "Iravu Nilavu" Anjali(1990)
* "Thalattum Poongkaatru" Gopura Vasalile (1991)
* "Udhayam Neeye" Ennarukil Nee Irunthal (1991)
* "Chinna Thayaval" Thalapathi (1991)
* "Athi Kaalai Kaatre Nillu" Thalaivasal (1992)
* "Thoodhu Selvadharadi" Singaravelan (1992)
* "Ezhelu Jenma Bandham" Therku Theru Machan (1992)
* "Anthi Vanathile Oru" Annai Vayal (1992)
* "Aasai Athigam Vechu''" Marupadiyum(1993)''
* "Anbe Vaa Arugile''" Kilipetchu Ketkava(1993)''
* Aranmanai Kili(1993)
*# "Raasave Unnai Vida"
*# "Vanmathiye"
* "Ninaikkatha Neramillai''" Thangakkili(1993)''
* "Alli Alli Veesuthama''" Atha Maga Rathiname(1994)''
* "Oru Santhana Kaattu''" Ellame En Rasathan(1995)''
* "Sollaayo Vaaithiranthu''" Mogamul(1995)''
* "Nenjinile Nenjinile''" Uyire(1998)''
* "Margazhi Thingal Allava" Sangamam (1999)

Telugu films

S Janaki started her career in Telugu films in 1957. Movies like ''Bava maradalu'', ''Pooja Phalam'' and ''Bangaru Panjaram'' had songs by S Janaki which were immensely popular. She gave continuous hits throughout 1960s and 70s. She continued to give hits till mid 90s. S Janaki has won 12 Nandi awards, 10 for films and 2 for television serial songs.A few of her solos are:

* "Neeli Meghalalo" Bava Maradallu (1961)
* "Naravara O Kuruvara" Nartanasala (1963)
* "Pagale Vennela" Pooja Phalam (1964)
* "Pagalaite Doravera" Bangaru Panjaram (1970)
* "Sirimallepoova" Padaharella Vayasu (1978)
* "Nemaliki Nerpina" Saptapadi (1981)
* "Om Namah Shivaaya" Sagara Sangamam (1983)
* "Ee Dhuryodhana" Pratighatana (1985)
* "Muddhuto Shrungara Beetu" Dharma Kshetram (1992)
* "Narudaa O Narudaa" Bhairava Dweepam (1994)

Hindi films

Composer Bappi Lahiri was impressed by a Hindi song sung by S Janaki for a Tamil movie, when he visited Prasad Studio. He decided to have songs sung by her in his upcoming Hindi movies and introduced her to Bollywood. She sang many duets with singer Kishore Kumar.

Some of her notable Hindi songs are
* "Prabhu more awgun chit na dharo" Sur Sangam (1985)
* "Ayo prabhat sab mil gaayo" Sur Sangam (1985)
* "Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re" Saaheb (1985)
* "Aayaa jab se tu dil mein" Jhoothi (1985)
* "Jawan Hai Dil Jawan Hain Hum" Saaheb (1985)
* "Sun Rubia Tumse Pyar Ho Gaya" Mard (1985)
* "Mamla Gadbad Hai" Dharm Adhikari (1986)
* "Aankhen do" Dharm Adhikari (1986)
* "Tune mera doodh piya" Aakhree Raasta (1986)
* "Pag Paadam" Naache Mayuri(1986)
* "Dil mein ho tum" Satyamev Jayate (1987)
* "Main tere liye" Main Tere Liye (1989)
* "Poocho Na Kysa Maza" Awwal Number (1990)

Odia films

Janaki sang many evergreen songs in Odia. She has sung about 68 songs in Odia films. Her songs are still popular today and she also won 1 Orissa State Film Award.

Other languages

Janaki also sang a few songs in other languages.
* One Japanese song in Adutha Veettu Penn (1960)
* One German song in Puthu Paatu (1990)
* One English song in Swayamkrushi (1986)
* One French song (uncredited)
* One Sinhalese song (uncredited).

Collaboration with Music Directors

Janaki has worked with music directors of different generations. From the early 1960s she was given songs by composers mainly in Kannada and Malayalam films.Though she sang fewer songs in Telugu and Tamil during the beginning of her career she went on to rule the playback industry across all four south Indian languages from mid 1970s.

G. K. Venkatesh

G. K. Venkatesh was one of the early composers who brought a renaissance in Kannada film music.
He started composing for more films from early 1960s and went on to give some remarkable songs to Janaki. GKV-SJ-PBS combination was the talk of the town those days.
Two songs which need special mention from this combination are "nambide ninna naadhadevate" from Sandhya Raga and "Karedaru kelade" from Sanaadi Appanna: both became very popular.
Dr. Rajkumar, who had begun his acting career in 1950s, got to sing his first duet with S. Janaki –
Tumbitu Manavaa
– for the film "Mahishasura Mardini" in which he played the villain.

M. Ranga Rao

M. Ranga Rao was one of the composers who contributed memorable songs to Kannada film music.
He collaborated with S. Janaki for many films, including Edakallu Guddada Mele ("Sanyasi Sanyasi") directed by Puttanna Kanagal. Ranga Rao composed memorable duets sung by Dr. Rajkumar and S. Janaki for "Vasanta Geeta", "Hosabelaku" and "Samayada Gombe".

For Hosabelaku, Ranga Rao composed a melodious tune for a poem by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu "Teredide Mane O Baa Atithi" and S. Janaki sung this along with another legendary singer Vani Jayaram.

M. S. Baburaj

The earliest recognised collaboration of S Janaki's was with the Malayalam composer MS Baburaj, who specialised in Hindustani music. Under his direction, Janaki was able to give voice to some of Kerala's best loved film songs of all time during the 1960s and early 1970s. The songs they've worked on have been known for their outward expressions, both in voice and the composition by itself. Some of Janaki's best known solos come from this collaboration, including ''Vasantha Panchami Naalil'' (Bhargavi Nilayam), ''Anjana Kannezhuthi'' (Thacholi Othenan), and ''Thaane Thirinjum Marinjum'' (Ambalapravu).

Ilaiyaraaja

Ilaiyaraaja knew about Janaki's vocal range and versatility when he worked with G. K. Venkatesh. When he got a chance to compose music for his debut film Annakkili (1976) he made Janaki sing 3 songs which became immensely popular thus beginning an era in Tamil cinema. This combination churned out hits after hits pushing S Janaki to the numero uno position for at least the next 2 decades. S Janaki won 4 state awards in Tamil in his compositions. He explored her voice in wide variety of songs and she became the first choice for songs with village background.

She sang maximum duets with Balasubrahmanyam, Malaysia Vasudevan, Mano, Yesudas, Jayachandran. Ilayaraaja himself sang around 200 duets with Janaki; most were chart busters. After Ilaiyaraaja started giving more songs to S. Janaki, even other music composers followed by making her sing their top hits.

SPB-IR-SJ created some of the finest duets of Tamil cinemas. 1980s saw the meteoric rise of Janaki with a strong back up from Ilayaraja, as she sang his songs in all four South Indian languages.

Rajan–Nagendra

Rajan and Nagendra have a unique place in the hearts of Kannada music lovers. S Janaki was a part of almost all their albums. During the initial days, RN gave many duets to PBS-SJ. Later their main singers were SPB and S Janaki. Almost all of their songs remain etched as the unforgettable melodies of Kannada Cinema. The romantic duets that came out from the SPB-S Janaki-Rajan–Nagendra combination are considered to be heavenly and evergreen. Radios called the pair of SPB and S Janaki as "Love Birds" and are termed to be the "Best singing pair" in Kannada cinema, owing mainly to their romantic duets composed by Rajan–Nagendra in the 1970s and 80s In terms of numbers, it was Rajan–Nagendra who gave maximum songs to Janaki after Ilaiyaraaja.
The solos and duets that S Janaki rendered under these music composers can never be erased from the minds of the Kannada audience. Some top hit songs came from movies such as Eradu Kanasu, Hombisilu, Gaali Maathu, Pavana Ganga, Avala Hejje, Chandana Gombe, Naa Ninna Bidalare and the list continues.

Hamsalekha

By the end of 80s Hamsalekha established himself as the top music composer in Kannada cinema pushing all the veteran composers to the background. His strong association with actor Ravichandran resulted in so many hit songs. S Janaki was his first choice during the initial days of his career. SPB-SJ-HL created some of the evergreen duets in movies like Premaloka and Ranadheera. S Janaki worked in more than 40 films with Hamsalekha and sang all-time hit solos and duets.

Vijaya Bhaskar

Kannada cinema offered SJ real gems of her singing career and Vijaya Bhaskar is no exception. Though his main singers were P Susheela in 60s and Vani Jayaram and Chitra in 70s and 80s, he gave some of his best compositions to S Janaki in movies like Gejje Pooje, Bellimoda, Upasane, Seetha (1970 film); he chose her whenever the song needed some special singing. "Gaganavu ello bhoomiyu ello" remains one of the most memorable songs of S Janaki. If we take the top 10 songs of S Janaki in Kannada cinema there would definitely be at least 2 songs composed by Bhaskar.

A. R. Rahman

During the '90s, Janaki sang many great Tamil songs for A. R. Rahman at the early stage of his career. Songs like "Ottagatha Kattiko", "Gopala Gopala", "Nenjinele", "Kadhal Kaditham Theetave", "Mudhalvane", "Kathirika", "Endhan Nenjil", "Margazhi Thinkal" and many are still popular. She won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback for "Margazhi Thinkal Allava" from the film Sangamam under his composition.

Legacy and popularity

Janaki and voice modulation is synonymous. She has done a wide range of voice modulation according to the age of the character in all four South Indian languages. She is perhaps the only singer who won state awards for the same. Tamil Nadu state award for "Poda poda pokka" song from Uthiripookkal (1978) and Andhra Pradesh State award for "Govullu tellana" song from Saptapadi (1981 film). Songs she sang in kids-voice in 70s in Kannada too were popular, one such song is "Thayiya thandeya" from the film Madhura Sangama(1978). She sang many such songs for 3 year old, young boy, goatish voice, male voice and voice of aged woman. She sung more than 48000+ songs across all languages.

Toughest song

Janaki says that the toughest song of her singing career is the fastest swaras Kannada song "Shiva shiva ennada naaligeyeke" from the movie '' Hemavathi (film)''. The song, which is in two different ragas, ''Thodi'' and ''Aabhogi'', was composed by L. Vaidyanathan.

Awards & honours

;National Film Awards:
Best Female Playback Singer

* 1977 – (Song: "Senthoora Poove") '' 16 Vayathinile'', Tamil Film
* 1981 – (Song: "Ettumanoorambalathil") '' Oppol'', Malayalam Film
* 1984 – (Song: "Vennello godari andham") ''Sitaara'', Telugu Film
* 1992 – (Song: "Inji Iduppazhagha") '' Devar Magan'', Tamil Film

; Mirchi Music Awards:
* 2015 – Lifetime achievement award – South

;Filmfare Awards South
*Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South – 1997

;Kerala State Film Awards:
Best Female Playback Singer
* 1970 – ''Sthree''
* 1972 – '' Pulliman''
* 1974 – '' Chandrakantham''
* 1976 – ''Aalinganam''
* 1977 – ''Madanolsavam''
* 1979 – '' Thakara''
* 1980 – ''Manjil Virinja Pookkal'','' Chamaram'', '' Aniyatha Valakal''
* 1981 – Various films
* 1982 – Various films
* 1983 – Various film
* 1984 – ''Kanamarayathu''

; Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh State Film, Music, Television and Arts Awards):
Best Female Playback Singer
* 1980 – ''Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatyam''
* 1981 – '' Sapthapadhi''
* 1983 – '' Sagara Sangamam''
* 1985 – '' Pratighatana''
* 1986 – ''Aruna Kiranam''
* 1988 – ''Janaki Ramudu''
* 1994 – ''Bhairava Dweepam''
* 1997 – ''Thodu''
* 1998 – '' Anthapuram''
* 2000 – ''Sri Sai Mahima''

;Tamil Nadu State Film Awards:
Best Female Playback Singer
* 1970 – ''Namma Kuzhanthaigal''
* 1977 – '' 16 Vayathinile''
* 1979 – '' Uthiripookkal''
* 1981 – ''Moondram Pirai''
* 1982 – '' Kaadhal Oviyam''
* 1999 – ''Sangamam''

; Orissa State Film Awards:
* 1986 – Best Female Playback Singer – ''Sata Kebe Luchi Rahena''

;Filmfare Awards:
* 1986: Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Nomination – "Yaar Bina Chain Kahan Re ('' Saaheb'')

;Special Honours:
* 1986 – Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu
* 1987 – Sursinger Award for ''Mayuri'' (Hindi Version)
* 1992 – Paavender Bharathidasan Award (Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award)
* 1997 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South
* 2002 – Cinema 'Achiever Award' from the Government of Kerala
* 2001 – Special Jury Swaralaya Yesudas Award for outstanding performance in music
* 2006 – Favourite Female Playback Singer Vijay Awards
* 2009 – Honorary doctorate from the University of Mysore for contributions to Kannada Cinema
* 2011 – "Basava Bhushan" Award from Karnataka
* 2012 – Evergreen Voice of Indian Cinema Vijay Music Awards
* 2013 – Maa Music Life Time achievement award by Maa Music Awards
* 2013 – Padma Bhushan Award from Government of India (She refused to accept it citing too late and too little)
* 2013 – Lifetime Achievement Award from Udaya Film Awards
* 2014 – Karnataka Rajyotsava award, the second highest civilian award of the Karnataka state, by the Government of Karnataka in 2014
* 2014 – Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award for the contribution to the Kannada Cinema
* 2015 – Life Time Achievement Award from Radio Mirchi for Outstanding Contribution in all South Indian Languages annada, Malayalam, Tamil and Teluguref name="S Janaki Receive Award" />
* 2016 – SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution in all South Indian Languages
*2018 – Santosham Lifetime Achievement Award at 16th Santosham Film Awards.
* 2018 June 5 – SPB National Award by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.
* 2019– First Recipient of the MS Subbulakshmi National Award for immense contribution to the field of music, Tamil Nadu State Government

;Other Awards:
* First Recipient of M S Baburaj Award
* First Recipient of P. Susheela trust National Award
*First Recipient of V Dakshinamoorthi Award
* Madhavapeddi Sathyam Award
* Vayalar Award for contribution to Malayalam Film Music
* Geeta Dutt Award from Andhra Pradesh Government
* Chi Udayashankar AwardPB, SP and S. Janaki to receive Udayshankar Award
Viggy.com (13 March 2011). Retrieved 6 June 2021.
* Sangeetha Ganga Gayana Award
* Sangeetha Rathna by Sangeetha Kalavedika
* Singer of the Century Award
* Manna Dey Puraskaar in 2014
* Singer Jikki Award in 2014
* First Recipient of Ramu Karyat Foundation Award
* Gulf Malayalam Musical Award

References

#include

External links

Selected Songs of S Janaki
*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Janaki, S.
Living people
1938 births
Telugu playback singers
Singers from Andhra Pradesh
Indian women classical singers
Indian women playback singers
Tamil playback singers
Kannada playback singers
Kerala State Film Award winners
Malayalam playback singers
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners
Nandi Award winners
Filmfare Awards South winners
People from Guntur district
Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh
20th-century Indian women musicians
21st-century Indian women musicians
20th-century Indian singers
21st-century Indian singers
20th-century Indian composers
21st-century Indian composers
Indian women composers
Women musicians from Andhra Pradesh
20th-century Indian women singers
21st-century Indian women singers
Best Female Playback Singer National Film Award winners
Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2014
20th-century women composers
21st-century women composers
Santosham Film Awards winners
Sanskrit-language singers
South Indian International Movie Awards winners