S. Janaki’s early life in a Telangana village shaped her interest in film music

Legendary singer S. Janaki. File. | Photo credit: The Hindu

The news of the passing away of legendary singer S. Janaki, or ‘Janaki amma’ as she is fondly called by the generations who grew up listening to her voice, came as a shock on Saturday evening (July 11, 2026). She was 88 years old. Her voice has transcended language barriers and contributed immensely to the Indian musical landscape for over six decades.

Also Read: S. Janaki Died On 11 July 2026

Her career in Telugu cinema began in 1957 with the film MLA, where she sang “Nee Aasa Adiyaasa” and “Idenandi Idenandi Bhagyanagaramu” to the music of Pendyala Nageshwar Rao. In the same year, she recorded songs across languages, including Kannada and Tamil, showcasing her language skills. Her early Telugu films included Kutumba Gowravam, Anna Thammudu and Bava Maradalu.

‘Neeli Meghalalo’ from Bava Maradal, which had music by Pendyala Nageswara Rao, is among the first songs to showcase her range as an artiste, with music lovers hailing her as the ‘queen of melodies’. Her collaborations with renowned music composers of the time, from KV Mahadevan to MS Viswanathan and later Ilaiyaraaja, resulted in some of the most memorable songs. Who can forget the melodious ‘Sirimalle Puvva’ by Padaharella Vayasu, reflecting thoughts of innocent love?

Her voice in Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions became an integral part of some of K. Viswanath’s iconic films in the following years. S. Janaki and SP Balasubrahmanyam’s rendition of ‘Mounamalanoyi’ in Sagara Sangamam remains timeless as it harbors tender, unspoken love and longing. In the same film, the devotional fervor with which she sang ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ gave the song a distinctive quality. A few years later, she sang the folk-infused tune ‘Suvvi Suvvi’ for the director’s Swathi Muthyam and the classically infused ‘Aakasamlo’ for Swarna Kamalam.

Romantic numbers that defined Telugu cinema in the 1980s and 1990s include ‘Guvva Gorinkatho’ from Khaidi No. 786, ‘Yamaho nee yama yama andam’ from Jagadek Veerudu Atilokasundari, ‘Jilibili Palukula’ from director S’ilar Vamsy and Kurysanda’ will remain popular among most music lovers. She won a National Award for her Telugu song “Vennello Godari Andham” for the 1984 film Sitara.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao and members of Telugu film fraternity including Chiranjeevi recalled her contribution and fond memories of her songs and associations.

Telangana connection

The timeless voice of S. Janaki has resonated in every home in Telangana for more than six decades, but what many don’t know is that the legendary singer spent part of her childhood in the then backward textile village of Sircilla in old Karimnagar district more than six decades ago.

The discovery of this little-known chapter of her life has added a new emotional dimension to her bond with Telangana, making her enduring legacy even more special to the people of the state. It resonates deeply with the people of the state as it shaped her early love for film and music, though she was born in what is now Andhra Pradesh. In one of the interviews, she recalls that her fascination with cinema deepened here, as she often watched films in local theaters.

For generations of Telugu film goers, she was much more than just a playback singer. She was the voice of love, devotion, heartbreak, celebration and nostalgia. Whether it was a romantic melody, a classic devotional hymn composition, a folk song or a deeply emotional solo, Janaki brought an authenticity that few singers could match.

Published – 11 Jul 2026 22:06 IST