Janaki, affectionately known as the Nightingale of South India, is one of the most acclaimed playback singers of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, her powerful and captivating voice has created a lasting impression on millions of music lovers around the world. Born in 1933 in Mysore, as Subbalakshmi, she started singing at an early age and went on to have an illustrious career. Her unique style of singing, with its characteristic nuances and use of different languages, made her stand out from the rest. She has sung in many languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu, and Marathi. Her versatility and the ability to modulate her voice made her a versatile singer. Apart from playback singing, S. Janaki has also acted in a few films and has composed many songs. In her long and illustrious career, she has been awarded many awards and accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan in
1. S. Janaki’s voice has been the soundtrack of many iconic films, such as “Sankarabharanam,” “Maya Bazaar,” and “Sagara Sangamam.” Her melodious and soulful renditions of Kannada folk songs, such as “Kolu Kolu,” have captivated millions. Her songs have been cherished by generations of music lovers and have become timeless classics. S. Janaki’s contribution to the world of music cannot be overstated. Her unique and captivating voice will remain etched in the memories of her fans forever. She was indeed the Unforgettable Voice of South Indian cinema.
The Tamil film industry has been greatly influenced by the musical stylings of S. Janaki, an iconic Indian singer who has contributed to the development of the music industry in India. In addition to her vocal prowess, Janaki is also noted for her ability to interpret a song in her own unique way, adding her own special touch to the composition. This special touch has made her a beloved singer throughout India and beyond.