Sistla Janaki (born 23 April 1938) is an Indian

playback singer A playback singer, also known as a ghost singer, is a singer whose singing is pre-recorded for use in films. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras; the actual singer does not app ...

and occasional

music Music is generally defined as the art of arranging sound to create some combination of form, harmony, melody, rhythm or otherwise expressive content. Exact definitions of music vary considerably around the world, though it is an aspect ...

composer from

Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh (, abbr. AP) is a state in the south-eastern coastal region of India. It is the seventh-largest state by area covering an area of and tenth-most populous state with 49,386,799 inhabitants. It is bordered by Telangana to the ...

. 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 Telugu may refer to: * Telugu language, a major Dravidian language of India *Telugu people, an ethno-linguistic group of India * Telugu script, used to write the Telugu language ** Telugu (Unicode block), a block of Telugu characters in Unicode S ...

Kannada Kannada (; ಕನ್ನಡ, ), originally romanised Canarese, is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by the people of Karnataka in southwestern India, with minorities in all neighbouring states. It has around 47 million native s ...

Tamil Tamil may refer to: * Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia **Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils **Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia * Tamil language, nativ ...

Malayalam Malayalam (; , ) is a Dravidian language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry (Mahé district) by the Malayali people. It is one of 22 scheduled languages of India. Malayalam was des ...

Hindi Hindi (Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt region encompassing parts of northern, central, eastern, and western India. Hindi has been de ...

Sanskrit Sanskrit (; attributively , ; nominally , , ) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in South Asia after its predecessor languages had diffused there from the northwest in the late ...

Odia Odia, also spelled Oriya or Odiya, may refer to: * Odia people in Odisha, India * Odia language, an Indian language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family * Odia alphabet, a writing system used for the Odia languag ...

Tulu Tulu may refer to: People *Derartu Tulu (born 1972), Ethiopian long-distance runner *Walid Yacoubou (born 1997), Togolese footballer nicknamed "Tulu" India *Tulu calendar, traditional solar calendar generally used in the regions of southwest Kar ...

Urdu Urdu (;"Urdu"
''

Punjabi, Badaga,

Bengali Bengali or Bengalee, or Bengalese may refer to: *something of, from, or related to Bengal, a large region in South Asia * Bengalis, an ethnic and linguistic group of the region * Bengali language, the language they speak ** Bengali alphabet, the w ...

, Konkani and also in foreign languages such as

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

Japanese Japanese may refer to: * Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia * Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan * Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture ** Japanese diaspor ...

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...

, and Sinhala. However the highest number of songs in her career were in

, followed by

. Starting in 1957 with the Tamil film ''Vidhiyin Vilayattu'', her career has spanned over six decades. She has won four

National Film Awards The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorat ...

and 33 different State Film Awards. She is the recipient of an

honorary doctorate An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university (or other degree-awarding institution) has waived all of the usual requirements. It is also known by the Latin phrases ''honoris causa'' ("for the sake of the honour") or ''ad hon ...

from the

University of Mysore The University of Mysore is a public state university in Mysore, Karnataka, India. The university was founded during the reign of Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore. The university is recognised by the University Grants Commission ...

, the

Kalaimamani The Kalaimamani is the highest civilian award in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. These awards are given by the ''Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram'' (literature, music and theatre), a unit of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of ...

award from

Government of Tamil Nadu Government of Tamil Nadu is the subnational government for the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is seated at Fort St George, Chennai. The legislature of Tamil Nadu was bicameral until 1986, when it was replaced by a unicameral legislature, lik ...

and

Karnataka Rajyotsava award The Rajyotsava Prashasti or Rajyotsava Awards, the second highest civilian honor of the Karnataka state of India are conferred annually by the Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Government on the occasion of the establishment of the state on 1 ...

from

Government of Karnataka The Government of Karnataka, abbreviated as, GoK, or simply Karnataka Government, is a democratically-elected state body with the governor as the ceremonial head to govern the Southwest Indian state of Karnataka. The governor who is appointed ...

In 2013, she refused to accept

Padma Bhushan The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is given for "distinguished service ...

, 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 Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), also referred to as SPB or SP Balu or Balu, was an Indian playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. He is wi ...

and composer

Ilaiyaraaja Ilaiyaraaja (born R. Gnanathesikan, 3 June 1943) is an Indian musician, composer, arranger, conductor, orchestrator, instrumentalist, lyricist and singer, popular for his works in Indian Cinema, prominently in Tamil films. Reputed to be one of ...

is most talked about. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s her duets with

P. B. Srinivas Prathivadhi Bhayankara Sreenivas (22 September 1930 – 14 April 2013) widely known as P. B. Sreenivas was an Indian playback singer, composer, harmonium player, lyricist, littérateur, and poet known for his works in South cinema, and Bollyw ...

, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. J. Yesudas,

P. Jayachandran Paliyath Jayachandrakuttan is an Indian playback singer and actor from Kerala. Jayachandran is best known for his captivating voice which gave him the title ''Bhava Gayakan'' by the music fraternity of South India. He has worked with many comp ...

and

Dr. Rajkumar Singanalluru Puttaswamaiah Muthuraj (24 April 1929 – 12 April 2006), better known by his stage name Dr. Rajkumar, was an Indian actor and singer who worked in Kannada cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian ci ...

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 Repalle is a town in Bapatla district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The town is one of the 12 municipalities in Bapatla district and the headquarters of Repalle mandal under the administration of Bapatla revenue division. It is situate ...

Taluka, in

Guntur Guntur () is a city and the administrative headquarters of Guntur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Guntur is spread across 168.49 km square and is the third-largest city in the state. It is situated to the west of the Ba ...

Madras Presidency The Madras Presidency, or the Presidency of Fort St. George, also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision (presidency) of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included most of southern India, including the ...

British India The provinces of India, earlier presidencies of British India and still earlier, presidency towns, were the administrative divisions of British governance on the Indian subcontinent. Collectively, they have been called British India. In one ...

(now in

). Her father, Sreeramamurthy Sistla was an

Ayurvedic Ayurveda () is an alternative medicine system with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The theory and practice of Ayurveda is pseudoscientific. Ayurveda is heavily practiced in India and Nepal, where around 80% of the population rep ...

doctor and teacher. She spent most of her childhood in

Sircilla Sircilla (also spelled as Siricilla/Sirsilla) is a town and the district headquarters of Rajanna Sircilla district in the Indian state of Telangana. It is located on the banks of Manair river in the Sircilla mandal of Sircilla revenue divisio ...

where she got her first on stage performance opportunity at the age of nine. She learnt the basics of music through a

Nadaswaram The Nagaswaram (nādḥasvaram) is a double reed wind instrument from South India. It is used as a traditional classical instrument in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. This instrument is "among the world's loudes ...

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 Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. It is a medical emergency that, without immediate medical intervention, will result in sudden cardiac death within minutes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and possib ...

. Their only son Murali Krishna resides in

Hyderabad Hyderabad ( ; , ) is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the ''de jure'' capital of Andhra Pradesh. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part ...

and his wife Uma Muralikrishna is a

Bharatanatyam Bharatanatyam () is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the eight widely recognized Indian classical dance forms, and expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of S ...

and

Kuchipudi Kuchipudi () ( Telugu: ) is one of the eight major Indian classical dances. It originates from a village named Kuchipudi in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi is a dance-drama performance, with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sa ...

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 Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...

on the advice of her uncle, to work with Music composer R. Sudarsanam in

AVM Studios AVM Productions is an Indian film production studio founded by A. V. Meiyappan. It is the final oldest survived studio in India. The filming studios are located in Vadapalani, Chennai. It has produced over 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, ...

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 Mysore (), officially Mysuru (), is a city in the southern part of the state of Karnataka, India. Mysore city is geographically located between 12° 18′ 26″ north latitude and 76° 38′ 59″ east longitude. It is located at an altitude of ...

Kannada films

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

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 Rajan–Nagendra were an Indian musical duo who were prominent composers of film music in Kannada and Telugu cinema from the late 1950s to the early 1990s. Rajan, along with his brother Nagendra, created a niche for themselves for nearly four de ...

Hamsalekha Gangaraju (born June 23, 1951), professionally known as Hamsalekha, is an Indian film composer and a songwriter who works in South Indian cinema, predominantly in the Kannada film industry since the late 1980s. He is also a screenplay writer, di ...

, 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

from the

for her contributions to Kannada film and music. Some of her top hit solos in Kannada cinema are: * "Shiva shiva ennada naaligeyeke"

Hemavathi (film) ''Hemavathi'' is a 1977 Indian Kannada film, directed by Siddalingaiah and produced by N. Veeraswamy, S. P. Varadaraj, J. Chandulal Jain and Siddalingaiah. The film stars G. V. Iyer, Udaykumar, C. H. Lokanath and Yoganarasimha in lead roles. The ...

(1977) * "Poojisalende Hoogala" Eradu Kanasu (1974) * "Gaganavu Ello"

Gejje Pooje Gejje Pooje is a 1969 Indian Kannada language film directed by Puttanna Kanagal and produced by Rashi Brothers. The film stars Kalpana, Gangadhar and Leelavathi in the lead roles. ''Gejje'' means anklet and ''pooje'' means worship, but in the ...

(1969) * "Omme Ninnanu"

Gaali Maathu ''Gaali Maathu'' ( kn, ಗಾಳಿಮಾತು) is a 1981 Indian Kannada-language drama film, directed and produced by the Dorai–Bhagavan duo. It is based on the novel of the same name by Ta. Ra. Su. The film stars Jai Jagadish, Lakshmi, H ...

(1981) * "Gaaligopura Ninnashatheera"

Nanda Deepa ''Nanda Deepa'' is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film, directed by M. R. Vittal, making his first venture in film direction. The film was produced and written by actor Vadiraj and co-produced by Jawahar for ''Sri Bharathi Chitra' ...

(1963) * "Nambide Ninna"

Sandhya Raga Sandhya may refer to: Hinduism * Another name of Saranyu, goddess of clouds List of people with the given name Sandhya * B. Sandhya (born 1963), Inspector General of Kerala Police in India * Sandhya Agarwal (born 1963), former captain of the Ind ...

(1966) * "Barede Neenu"

Seetha (1970 film) ''Seetha'' is a 1970 Kannada-language romantic drama film directed actor Vadiraj and produced by actress Harini. The film starred Gangadhar, Kalpana and Srinath. The film's soundtrack and score by Vijaya Bhaskar was widely acclaimed. Cast ...

* "Banallu Neene"

Bayalu Daari Bayalu Daari () is a 1976 Indian Kannada-language film directed and produced by the Dorai–Bhagavan duo. It is based on the novel of the same name by Bharathi Sutha. The film starred Anant Nag, Kalpana and K. S. Ashwath. The film was a musi ...

(1976) * "Karedaru Kelade"

Sanaadi Appanna ''Sanaadi Appanna'' is a 1977 Indian Kannada-language musical film directed by Vijay based on the novel ''Kuniyitu Hejje Naliyithu Gejje'' by Krishnamoorthy Puranik which was loosely based on the life of Bagalkote shehnai player Appanna (1876- ...

(1977) * "Deepavu Ninnade"

Mysore Mallige (film) ''Mysore Mallige'' () is a 1992 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed and co-written by T. S. Nagabharana and produced by Srihari Khoday. The story is based on a 1942 work of the same title by the acclaimed poet K. S. Narasimhaswamy. The ...

(1992) * "Bharatha Bhooshira"

Upasane ''Upasane'' ( kn, ಉಪಾಸನೆ; English: Worship) is a 1974 Kannada musical drama film, directed by Puttanna Kanagal. The film produced by Rashi brothers, is based on the novel of the same name, written by Devaki Murthy. The film mostly ha ...

(1974) * "Sukhada Swapna Gaana"

Mareyada Haadu ''Mareyada Haadu'' is a 1981 Kannada-language romance film directed and written by R. N. Jayagopal and produced by K. S. Sacchidananda. The film stars Ananth Nag, Manjula and Leelavathi. The film was a musical hit with the songs composed by G ...

(1981) * "Thangaliyalli Naanu"

Janma Janmada Anubandha ''Janma Janmada Anubandha'' is a 1980 Indian Kannada-language thriller drama film directed, co-produced and scripted by Shankar Nag. The film has an ensemble cast including Anant Nag, Shankar Nag, Jayanthi, Jayamala and Manjula. Cast * A ...

(1980) * "Akasha Deepavu Neenu"

Pavana Ganga Pavana Ganga is a 1977 Kannada-language film directed by Y. R. Swamy and produced by C. Jayaram. It is based on the novel of the same name by Krishnamoorthy Puranik. The film stars Srinath, Aarathi and Ashok. Ashok and Arathi were paired as br ...

(1977) * "Aaseya Bhava Olavina Jeeva" Mangalya Bhagya (1976) * "Devara Aata"

Avala Hejje ''Avala Hejje'' () is a 1981 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by H. R. Bhargava, starring Dr. Vishnuvardhan, Lakshmi, Dr. Ambrish and Dwarakish. This film is partially based on the 1978 Bollywood film '' Trishna'' which itself was remad ...

(1981) * "Hoovinda Hoovige"

Hombisilu ''Hombisilu'' is a 1978 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film directed by Geethapriya. It is based on the novel of the same name by Usha Navarathnaram. The film starred Vishnuvardhan, Aarathi and Leelavathi. Vishnuvardhan was awarded wi ...

(1978) * "Nagu Endhidhe"

Pallavi Anu Pallavi ''Pallavi Anu Pallavi'' is a 1983 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam in his debut. The film stars Anil Kapoor, Lakshmi, and Kiran Vairale. It revolves around a young man falling in love with a sligh ...

(1983) * "Panchama Veda"

(1969) * "Kareye Kogile"

Navajeevana ''Navajeevana'' (Kannada: ನವಜೀವನ) is a 1964 Indian Kannada film, directed by P. S. Murthy and produced by Vadira and Jawahar. The film stars K. S. Ashwath, R. N. Sudarshan, Narasimharaju and Rathnakar in the lead roles. The film ...

(1964) * "Yava Janmadha Maithri"

Gowri (1963 film) ''Gowri'' is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by S. K. A. Chari and produced by K. Narayan Rao. The film stars Sowkar Janaki, Rajkumar and Sandhya. The film has musical score by G. K. Venkatesh. This was the first Kannada movie to ...

* "Pogadirelo Ranga"

Haalu Jenu ''Haalu Jenu'' () is a 1982 Indian Kannada-language tragicomedy film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, starring Rajkumar, Madhavi and Roopa Devi. The movie is famous for its evergreen songs, which were composed by G. K. Venkatesh. The mo ...

(1982) * "Naa Mechchidha" Naa Mechida Huduga (1972) * "Hele Gelathi" Kesarina Kamala (1973) * "Thanu Ninnadu"

Ibbani Karagithu ''Ibbani Karagithu'' () is a 1983 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed by K. V. Jayaram and produced by Mohan. It is based on the novel of the same name by Saisuthe. The film stars Ananth Nag, Lakshmi, Lokesh and Deepa. Cast * Anant ...

(1983) * "Maguve Ninna Hoonage"

(1969) * "Nee Yaro Enosaka"

Hasiru Thorana ''Hasiru Thorana'' () is a 1970 Indian Kannada language drama film directed by T. V. Singh Thakur and written by Sundaramma. It stars Rajkumar, Udaykumar and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. The film was released under Sri Indira Movies banner and produ ...

(1970) * "Nodu Baa Nodu Baa"

Miss Leelavathi ''Miss Leelavathi'' ( kn, ಮಿಸ್ ಲೀಲಾವತಿ) is a 1965 Indian Kannada language film directed by M. R. Vittal and written by Korati Srinivasa Rao. It stars Jayanthi as the protagonist, along with Udaykumar, K. S. Ashwath, Rames ...

(1965) * "Baagila Theredhiruve" Premanubandha (1981) * "Bhuvaneshwariya Nene"

(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) ''Mayura'' is a 1975 Indian Kannada-language historical drama film, directed by Vijay. It is one of the most popular films of acclaimed Kannada actor Rajkumar, who plays the role of Prince Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty, the earliest na ...

(1975) * "Aadona Baa Baa Gopala"

Malli Maduve ''Malli Maduve'' is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by G. R. Nathan. The film stars Rajkumar, Udaykumar, Rajashankar and K. S. Ashwath. The film has musical score by G. K. Venkatesh. The film was a remake of Tamil film ''Velaikaa ...

(1963) * "Kandu Kandu Nee"

Bhale Adrushtavo Adrushta ''Bhale Adrushtavo Adrushta'' (Kannada: ಭಲೇ ಅದೃಷ್ಟವೋ ಅದೃಷ್ಟ) is a 1971 Indian Kannada film, directed by K. S. L. Swamy. The film stars Kalpana, B. V. Radha, Gangadhar and Srinath in the lead roles. The film has ...

(1971) * "Aacharavilladha Nalige"

(1974) * "Hoovondu Beku Ballige"

(1977) * "Ragavendra- Bidenu Ninna Pada" Naa Ninna Bidalare (1979) * "Kangalu Thumbiralu"

Chandanada Gombe ''Chandanada Gombe'' () is a 1979 Indian Kannada-language film directed by Dorai–Bhagavan, and is based on the novel of the same name written by T. R. Subba Rao. The film stars Anant Nag, Lakshmi and Lokesh. It was a musical blockbuster with ...

(1979) * "Olavina Gelayane" Naniruvude Ninagagi (1979) * "Manase Nagaleke"

Namma Makkalu ''Namma Makkalu'' (Kannada: ನಮ್ಮ ಮಕ್ಕಳು) is a 1969 Indian Kannada film, directed by R. Nagendra Rao and produced by Harini. The film stars Chandrashekar, K. S. Ashwath, Pandari Bai, KM Jayashree, and Amarnath in the lead rol ...

(1969) * "Nagisalu Neenu"

(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 Mohammad Sabir Baburaj was an Indian music composer. He is often credited for the renaissance of Malayalam film music. Baburaj has rendered music to many evergreen Malayalam film songs. Early years Baburaj was born on 9 March 1929 in Kozhikod ...

Shyam Shyam is a name of Krishna and an Indian masculine given name and surname. Notable people with this name include: ;Shyam *Shyam (actor), Indian Hindi film actor *Shyam (composer), an Indian music composer from Kerala * Shyam Benegal, Indian film di ...

MB Sreenivasan Manamadurai Balakrishnan Sreenivasan (19 September 1925 – 9 March 1988), or MBS, was a South Indian music director who worked mainly in the Malayalam and Tamil film industries. He was born to an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family on 19 Septe ...

, A.T.Ummer, and

Salil Choudhary Salil Chowdhury (19 November 1925 – 5 September 1995) was an Indian music director, songwriter, lyricist, writer and poet who predominantly composed for Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam films. He composed music for films in 13 languages. This inc ...

. S Janaki went on to sing thousands of songs from early 1960s to mid 80s. She received her first

Kerala state film award The Kerala State Film Awards are the film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards started in 1969 by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala and since 1998 the awards have been bestowed by Kerala State Cha ...

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 ''Moodupadam'' is a 1963 Malayalam language film directed by Ramu Kariat and scripted by K. T. Muhammed based on S. K. Pottekkatt's novel of the same name. Sathyan and Ambika play the lead roles. It is a social film about the relationship betw ...

(1963) * "Sooryakaanthi"

Kattuthulasi ''Kattuthulasi'' () is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by M. Kunchacko. The film stars Sathyan, Sharada, Adoor Bhasi Ushakumari and Manavalan Joseph. It was released on 10 July 1965. Plot ...

(1965) * "Aa Nimishathinte"

Chandrakantham ''Chandrakantham'' is a 1974 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Sreekumaran Thampi and produced by Rajashilpi. The film stars Prem Nazir, Jayabharathi, Adoor Bhasi and Balakrishnan in the lead roles. The film has musical score by M. S. Viswana ...

(1974) * "Unni Arariro" Avalude Ravukal (1978) * "Mazhavil Kodi Kavadi"

Swapnam ''Swapnam'' is a 1973 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Babu Nanthankode. The film stars Madhu, Nanditha Bose, Sudheer and Jose Prakash. It was released on 3 August 1973. Cast *Madhu as Viswanathan *Nanditha Bose as Gauri * Sudhee ...

(1973) * "Unaroo Vegam Nee"

Moodalmanju ''Moodalmanju'' is a 1970 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Sudin Menon and produced by C Vasudevan Nair. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sheela, Adoor Bhasi and P. J. Antony in the lead roles. The film had musical score by Usha Khanna. Cast *Pre ...

(1970) * "Vasantha Panchami Naalil"

Bhargavi Nilayam ''Bhargavi Nilayam'' () is a 1964 Indian Malayalam-language romantic horror film directed by A. Vincent (in his directorial debut) and written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer based on his own short story ''Neela Velicham''. The film stars Madhu, V ...

(1964) * "Sandhye Kanneerithende"

Madanolsavam ''Madanolsavam'' is a 1978 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film written and directed by N. Sankaran Nair and starring Kamal Haasan, Jayan and Zarina Wahab. Dialogues and comedy scenes were written by Thoppil Bhasi. The film was parti ...

(1978) * "Malarkodi Pole" Vishukanni (1977) * "Mizhiyoram"

Manjil Virinja Pookkal ''Manjil Virinja Pookkal'' () is a 1980 Indian Malayalam-language romantic thriller film produced by Navodaya Appachan under Navodaya Studio and written and directed by Fazil (director), Fazil. It stars Shankar (actor), Shankar, Mohanlal and P ...

(1980) * "Mouname Nirayum"

Thakara ''Thakara'' is a 1979 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan. It stars Prathap Pothan, Surekha, Nedumudi Venu and K. G. Menon in pivotal roles. The film was a breakthrough in the career of Bharathan ...

(1980) * "Naadha Neevarum Kaalocha"

Chamaram ''Chamaram'' is a 1980 Malayalam film written by John Paul Puthusery and directed by Bharathan, starring Nedumudi Venu, Zarina Wahab, Prathap Pothan and Ratheesh. The story is about the tumultuous affair between a student and his college lectu ...

(1980) * "Thenum Vayambum"

Thenum Vayambum ''Thenum Vayambum'' () is a 1981 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Ashok Kumar and written by John Paul, starring Nedumudi Venu, Prem Nazir and Sumalatha, along with Mohanlal and Ranipadmini. The film features music composed by Raveend ...

(1981) * "Thumbi Vaa Thumbakudathin"

Olangal ''Olangal'' () is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Balu Mahendra. The film's plot is inspired from novel '' Man, Woman and Child'' by Erich Segal. Plot Life goes on happily for the couple, Ravi (Amol Palekar) and Radha ( Poor ...

(1982) * "Swarna Mukile"

Ithu Njangalude Katha ''Ithu Njangalude Katha'' is a 1982 Malayalam film made in India, by P. G. Viswambharan. This was the second film of actor Mukesh after the 1981 film ''Balloon''. This film is a remake of the Tamil film '' Palaivana Solai''. Plot The lives of ...

(1982) * "Moham Kondu Njan" Shesham Kazhchayil (1985) * "Konchi Karayalle"

Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kaathu ''Poomukhapadiyil Ninneyum Kaathu'' is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Bhadran, starring Mammootty, Cecily, Rahman, and Srividya. Mohanlal appeared in a guest appearance. The film tells the story of Sanjay (Rahman) and Cecily ...

(1986) * "Olathumbathirunnu"

Pappayude Swantham Appoos ''Pappayude Swantham Appoos'' () is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language film, written and directed by Fazil.It stars Mammootty and Master Badusha while Shobana, Suresh Gopi and Seena Dadi also appeared in important supporting roles. The music of th ...

(1992) * "Kaikkudanna Niraye"

Mayamayooram ''Maya Mayooram'' () is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Ranjith. It stars Mohanlal in a dual role, alongside Revathi and Shobana in lead roles with Thilakan, Sukumari, Kaviyoor Ponnamma ...

(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 Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan (24 June 1928 – 14 July 2015), also known as M.S.V., was an Indian music director, singer and actor who predominantly worked in Tamil film industry. He was popularly known as ''Mellisai Mannar''. He compose ...

gave her many hit songs every year throughout 60s and early 70s. It was the song ''Unnidathil ennaik kodutthen''

Avalukendru Or Manam ''Avalukendru Or Manam'' () is a 1971 Indian Tamil-language film romantic drama film produced, written and directed by Sridhar. The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Muthuraman, Bharathi and Kanchana. It revolves around two women falling in love ...

(1971) that consolidated her position as the most promising singer thereafter. She sang many songs under many famous composers.

– 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,

and A. R. Rahman). Some of her best solos in Tamil cinema are: * "Singara Velane deva"

Konjum Salangai ''Konjum Salangai'' () is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language musical dance film directed by M. V. Raman. The film stars Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, R. S. Manohar and Kumari Kamala. It was released on 14 January 1962. The film was dubbed into Telug ...

(1962) * "Indha Mandrathil Odi Varum"

Policekaran Magal ''Policekaran Magal'' () is a 1962 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by C. V. Sridhar. Based on B. S. Ramiah's play of the same name, it stars Balaji, Muthuraman, Vijayakumari, Santha Kumari and Pushpalatha. The film was released on 7 ...

(1962) * "Kannan Mananilayai"

Deivathin Deivam ''Deivathin Deivam'' () is 1962 Indian Tamil-language drama film, written and directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. The film stars S. S. Rajendran, C. R. Vijayakumari, Geetanjali (credited as Manimala) and S. V. Ranga Rao, with music composed by ...

(1962) * "Azhagiya Megangal" Ganga Gowri(1973) * Annakkili (1976) *# "Annakkili Unnai" *# "Machana Parthingala" *# "Sudhachamba Patcharisi" * "Sendhoora Poove"

16 Vayathinile ''16 Vayathinile'' (; read as ''Pathinaaru Vayathinile'') is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film co-written and directed by Bharathirajaa in his directorial debut. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, and Rajinikanth, with Ganthim ...

(1977) * "Kuyile Kavikkuyile"

Kavikkuyil ''Kavikkuyil'' is a 1977 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Devaraj–Mohan. The film stars Sivakumar, Sridevi and Fatafat Jayalaxmi, with S. V. Subbaiah, Rajinikanth and Senthamarai in supporting roles. It was released on 29 July 1977. ...

(1977) * "Azhagiya Kanne"

Uthiripookkal ''Uthiripookkal'' () is a 1979 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language Drama (film and television), drama film, written and directed by Mahendran (filmmaker), Mahendran. Based on the short story ''Chitrannai'' by Pudhumaipithan, it stars Vijayan ...

(1979) * "Kaatril Endhan"

Johnny Johnny is an English language personal name. It is usually an affectionate diminutive of the masculine given name John, but from the 16th century it has sometimes been a given name in its own right for males and, less commonly, females. Varian ...

(1980) * "Dhoorathil Naan Kanda Un Mugam"

Nizhalgal ''Nizhalgal'' () is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language drama film co-written and directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars primarily newcomers such as S. Rajasekar (credited as Rajasekaran), Raadhu (credited as Rohini), Ravi, Chandrasekhar and Suvith ...

(1980) *

Ullasa Paravaigal ''Ullasa Paravaigal'' () is a 1980 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by C. V. Rajendran, starring Kamal Haasan and Rati Agnihotri. It was released on 7 March 1980. This film was dubbed into Hindi as ''Do Dil Deewane''. This film ...

(1980) *# "Azhagu Aayiram" *# "Naan Undan Thaayaaga" * "Idhu Oru Nila Kaalam" Tik Tik Tik (1981) * "Putham Pudhu Kaalai"

Alaigal Oivathillai ''Alaigal Oivathillai'' () is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language romance film written and directed by Bharathiraja, from a story by Manivannan. The film stars two new debutants Karthik and Radha, while Thiagarajan, Silk Smitha and Kamala Kamesh app ...

(1981) * "Sangeethame"

Koyil Puraa ''Koyil Puraa'' () is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language film directed by K. Vijayan for R. M. C. Creations. The film stars Shankar and Saritha. It was released on 30 July 1981. Plot Cast *Shankar *Saritha *P. U. C. Raja Bahadur *Vinu Chakravar ...

(1981) * "Ponmeni Urugudhe"

Moondram Pirai ''Moondram Pirai'' () is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written, directed and filmed by Balu Mahendra. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Sridevi, while Y. G. Mahendran, Silk Smitha and Poornam Viswanathan play supporting ro ...

(1982) * "Naatham En Jeevanae"

Kaadhal Oviyam ''Kadhal Oviyam'' () is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kannan, in his only major screen appearance, and Radha. It was released on 30 April 1982. Plot Sakthi was an orphan, born in t ...

(1982) * "Ponvaanam Panneer Thoovuthu" Indru Nee Nalai Naan(1983) * "Azhagu Malaraada" ''

Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal ''Vaidehi Kathirunthal'' () is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Vijayakanth and Revathi as two villagers, Vellaisamy and Vaidehi, whose lives undergo a drastic turn when t ...

'' (1984) * "Pillai Nila" ''

Neengal Kettavai ''Neengal Kettavai'' () is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language masala film written and directed by Balu Mahendra. It stars Thiagarajan, Bhanu Chander, Archana and Silk Smitha in major roles, while Jaishankar had an extended cameo as the antagonist. ...

'' (1984) * "Poove Pani Poove" ''

Nilavu Suduvathillai ''Nilavu Suduvathillai'' () is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by K. Rangaraj and produced by S. M. G. Mani and T. N. R. The film stars Sivakumar, Raadhika in dual role, N. Viswanathan and V. Gopalakrishnan. The film had musical sc ...

'' (1984) * Naan Paadum Paadal(1984) *# "Paadavaa Un Paadalai" *# "Devan Kovil " * "Andha Indhiralogamey" ''Ponnu Pudichirukku'' (1984) *

Mouna Ragam ''Mouna Ragam'' (; ) is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam, and produced by G. Venkateswaran. The film stars Mohan and Revathi, with Karthik (guest appearance), V. K. Ramasamy, Ra. Sankaran ...

(1986) *# "Chinna Chinna Vannakuyil" *# "Oho Megam Vanthatho" * "Raasave Unna Nambi"

Muthal Mariyathai ''Muthal Mariyathai'' (; ) is a 1985 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language romantic drama film produced, directed and co-written by Bharathiraja. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Radha (actress), Radha, with Vadivukkarasi, newcomers Deepan and ...

(1985) * "Vaidhegi Raman"

Pagal Nilavu ''Pagal Nilavu'' () is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language gangster film directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Murali, Revathi and Sathyaraj. It is about a carefree youth caught between his loyalty to a mafia don and his love for a cop's sister. The fil ...

(1985) * "Ooru Sanam"

Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu ''Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu'' () is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language romantic musical film, written and directed by R. Sundarrajan starring Mohan, Radha and Amala. It was released on 12 September 1986 and became a commercial success. The film' ...

(1986) * "Kannan Manam yenna"

Vasantha Raagam ''Vasantha Raagam'' () is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and produced by his wife Shoba who wrote the story. The film stars Vijayakanth, Rahman and Sudha Chandran. It was released on 1 August ...

(1986) * "Panneeril Nanaintha"

Uyire Unakkaga ''Uyire Unakkaga'' () is a 1986 Indian Tamil language film, directed by K. Rangaraj. The film stars Mohan, Nadhiya, Chinni Jayanth and Vijayakumar. It was released on 7 March 1986. Plot Running away from her fantastically wealthy but selfi ...

(1986) * "Manthira Punnagaiyo" Mandhira Punnagai (1986) * "Kannan Vanthu"

Rettai Vaal Kuruvi ''Rettai Vaal Kuruvi'' () is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film, starring Mohan, Raadhika and Archana. It is based on the 1984 American film ''Micki & Maude''. The film was released on 27 February 1987. Plot The story sets ...

(1987) * "Neeradi Vaa Thenrale"

Mangai Oru Gangai ''Mangai Oru Gangai'' is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language legal drama film directed by T. Hariharan and produced by Kovaithambi. The film stars Saritha and Nadhiya. It was released on 24 July 1987. Plot Radha Ranganathan, an advocate, becomes ...

(1987) * "Radha Azhaikkiral"

Therkathi Kallan ''Therkathi Kallan'' is a 1988 Indian Tamil language action comedy film produced, written and directed by P. Kalaimani. The film stars Vijayakanth and Raadhika. It is a remake of the Telugu film ''Bhanumati Gari Mogudu''. Plot Because he wi ...

(1987) *

Agni Natchathiram ''Agni Natchathiram'' () is a 1988 Indian Tamil-language masala film that was written and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film stars Prabhu, Karthik, Amala and newcomer Nirosha, with Vijayakumar, Jayachitra, Sumithra, Tara, S. N. Lakshmi an ...

*# "Oru Poonga Vanam" *# "Roja Poo Adivanthathu" * "Iravu Nilavu" Anjali(1990) * "Thalattum Poongkaatru"

Gopura Vasalile ''Gopura Vasalile'' () is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language black comedy film directed by Priyadarshan, starring Karthik and Bhanupriya. It relies on various subplots from the Malayalam film ''Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran'' (1990) and the Hindi film '' ...

(1991) * "Udhayam Neeye" Ennarukil Nee Irunthal (1991) * "Chinna Thayaval"

Thalapathi ''Thalapathi'' () is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language gangster drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam, and produced by G. Venkateswaran. The film stars Rajinikanth and Mammootty with Arvind Swamy in his feature-film debut, Jaishankar, Amri ...

(1991) * "Athi Kaalai Kaatre Nillu"

Thalaivasal Thalaivasal ( ta, தலைவாசல்) is a town in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 18 km away from the Sub-district headquarter Attur and 70 km away from the Salem District Headquarter. It is one of the Ta ...

(1992) * "Thoodhu Selvadharadi"

Singaravelan ''Singaravelan'' is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by R. V. Udayakumar from a story by Panchu Arunachalam. The film stars Kamal Haasan and Khushbu. It revolves around a villager who is tasked with locatin ...

(1992) * "Ezhelu Jenma Bandham"

Therku Theru Machan ''Therku Theru Machan'' is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Manivannan. The film stars Sathyaraj and Bhanupriya. It was released on 13 April 1992, and completed a 100-day run. Plot Valayapalam village's Landlord ...

(1992) * "Anthi Vanathile Oru" Annai Vayal (1992) * "Aasai Athigam Vechu''"

Marupadiyum ''Marupadiyum'' () is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language drama film written, filmed and directed by Balu Mahendra. The film stars Revathi, Nizhalgal Ravi, Arvind and Rohini. A remake of the 1982 Hindi film ''Arth'', it focuses on Thulasi, a wife ca ...

(1993)'' * "Anbe Vaa Arugile''" Kilipetchu Ketkava(1993)'' *

Aranmanai Kili ''Aranmanai Kili'' () is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written, produced and directed by Rajkiran in his directorial debut. He also stars alongside Ahana and Gayathri. The film was released on 16 April 1993. It was remade i ...

(1993) *# "Raasave Unnai Vida" *# "Vanmathiye" * "Ninaikkatha Neramillai''"

Thangakkili ''Thangakkili'' () is a 1993 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Rajavarman and produced by A. G. Subramaniam. The film stars Murali, Shaali , Vijayakumar and Janagaraj in lead roles. The film, which released on 4 June 1993, had musical sc ...

(1993)'' * "Alli Alli Veesuthama''"

Atha Maga Rathiname ''Atha Maga Rathiname'' is a 1994 Indian Tamil language drama film directed by Gangai Amaran. The film stars Selva, Ranjitha, Pandiyan and Viji. The film, produced by Sheela Sivagnanam and S. S. Sivaram, had musical score by Gangai Amaran and w ...

(1994)'' * "Oru Santhana Kaattu''"

Ellame En Rasathan ''Ellame En Rasathan'' is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language drama film produced and directed by Rajkiran. The film stars Rajkiran, Sangita and Roopa Sree. It was released on 14 April 1995 and emerged a box-office hit. The film was remade in Telugu as ...

(1995)'' * "Sollaayo Vaaithiranthu''" Mogamul(1995)'' * "Nenjinile Nenjinile''" Dil Se.., 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 film), 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 Studios, 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 film), 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 (film), 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

. 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'' (

), ''Anjana Kannezhuthi'' (Thacholi Othenan), and ''Thaane Thirinjum Marinjum'' (Ambalapravu).

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-

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

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

, Bellimoda,

; 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

(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

song "Shiva shiva ennada naaligeyeke" from the movie ''

''. The song, which is in two different ragas, ''Thodi'' and ''Aabhogi'', was composed by L. Vaidyanathan.

Awards & honours

;

: National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer, Best Female Playback Singer * 1977 – (Song: "Senthoora Poove") ''

'', Tamil cinema, Tamil Film * 1981 – (Song: "Ettumanoorambalathil") ''Oppol'', Malayalam cinema, Malayalam Film * 1984 – (Song: "Vennello godari andham") ''Sitaara'', Telugu cinema, Telugu Film * 1992 – (Song: "Inji Iduppazhagha") ''Devar Magan'', Tamil cinema, Tamil Film ;Mirchi Music Awards: * 2015 – Lifetime achievement award – South ;Filmfare Awards South *Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South – 1997 ;Kerala State Film Awards: Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer, Best Female Playback Singer * 1970 – ''Sthree'' * 1972 – ''Pulliman (1972 film), Pulliman'' * 1974 – ''

'' * 1976 – ''Aalinganam'' * 1977 – ''

'' * 1979 – ''

'' * 1980 – ''

'',''

'', ''Aniyatha Valakal'' * 1981 – Various films * 1982 – Various films * 1983 – Various film * 1984 – ''Kanamarayathu'' ;Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh State Film, Music, Television and Arts Awards): Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer, 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 – ''Antahpuram (1998 film), Anthapuram'' * 2000 – ''Sri Sai Mahima'' ;Tamil Nadu State Film Awards: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Playback, Best Female Playback Singer * 1970 – ''Namma Kuzhanthaigal'' * 1977 – ''

'' * 1979 – ''

'' * 1981 – ''

'' * 1982 – ''

'' * 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 –

from the

* 1987 – Sursinger Award for ''Mayuri (film), 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

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 –

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 –

, the second highest civilian award of the Karnataka state, by the Government of Karnataka in 2014 * 2014 – Dr. Rajkumar Award, 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 [Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu] * 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

. * 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

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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