Janaki breathed her last on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mysuru after suffering age-related health complications. Her family later confirmed the news, following which tributes poured in from political leaders, film personalities and music lovers across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her demise, describing her passing as an "irreparable loss" to Indian music. In his condolence message, he said S. Janaki's timeless voice transcended languages and generations, leaving behind a musical legacy that would continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.

The Karnataka government announced that the legendary singer would be accorded full state honours during her final rites. Her mortal remains were kept for public homage at the Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru before the funeral, allowing admirers from across the country to pay their last respects. The final rites are scheduled to take place later in the day with state honours.

Fondly known as the "Nightingale of South India," S. Janaki enjoyed one of the longest and most distinguished careers in Indian playback singing. She recorded thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi, becoming a household name through her remarkable versatility and expressive singing style.

Her ability to effortlessly adapt to different musical genres and emotions made her the preferred voice for generations of leading actresses. From classical compositions and romantic melodies to devotional songs and folk music, Janaki's recordings became an integral part of Indian cinema's golden era.

The news of her passing triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the entertainment industry. Actors, filmmakers, composers and fellow singers remembered her as one of the greatest playback artists India has ever produced. Several public figures described her contribution to Indian music as irreplaceable, recalling how her songs became part of countless personal memories over the decades.

Her granddaughter, while announcing the news, remembered Janaki as a loving grandmother whose warmth and humility were cherished by the family, while acknowledging that the world knew her as an iconic singer whose voice became the soundtrack of millions of lives. The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Throughout her illustrious career, S. Janaki received numerous national and state honours for her extraordinary contribution to Indian music. Despite achieving legendary status, she remained known for her simplicity and dedication to her craft, qualities that earned her immense respect within the film and music fraternity.

Her songs continue to enjoy enduring popularity across generations, with many remaining staples on radio, television and digital streaming platforms. Music critics have often credited Janaki with redefining playback singing through her vocal range, flawless diction and emotional depth.

With her passing, Indian cinema has lost one of its most influential and beloved voices. Even as the nation bids farewell, S. Janaki's music is expected to live on through thousands of recordings that continue to resonate with audiences across linguistic and cultural boundaries.