Janaki, or Sishta Sreeramamurthy Janaki, is an Indian playback singer who has contributed an unparalleled body of work to the Indian film music industry for over four decades. She has sung in many South Indian languages such as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Her singing style is unique and instantly recognizable, drawing from both classical music and popular folk music. S. Janaki began her career in the late 1950s and quickly rose to prominence. She has recorded over 40,000 songs in various Indian languages and is one of the most prolific singers of all time. Her most famous songs are from the 1970s and 1980s, including hits such as “Yamuna Theeram”, “Kanne Kalaimane”, and “Dil Dil Dil”. Her songs are known for their melodic beauty, captivating lyrics, and powerful vocal delivery. S. Janaki’s immense contribution to the Indian film music industry has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. She has also been honored with the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer four times and the Filmfare Awards South twelve times. The unforgettable music of S. Janaki is a testament to her immense talent and her profound impact on the Indian film music industry. Her songs are melodious and captivating, and have withstood the test of time. Her decades-long career is a source of inspiration for aspiring singers and music lovers alike.
In addition to her musical influence, Janaki was a noted philanthropist and social activist, working to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities in South India. She was an advocate for education and women’s rights and was a vocal supporter of the Tamil language. The legacy of S. Janaki will live on in South Indian music for years to come.
