Mysuru, July 11: Renowned playback singer S. Janaki, popularly known as the “Nightingale of the South,” passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru, Karnataka, on Saturday after suffering from age-related health complications.

The veteran singer breathed her last at Apollo BGS Hospitals in Mysuru. The news was shared by her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, through an emotional statement on Instagram.

The family said Janaki passed away peacefully in the presence of her loved ones and requested privacy as they grieve the loss.

The hospital later confirmed that the legendary singer died at 7.30 pm following multiple cardiac arrests.

Sharing the family’s message, Apsara wrote, “It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved grandmother and legendary singer, Smt. S. Janaki.”

She added that Janaki “left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family,” and said the family was “filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music.”

With a career spanning more than six decades, S. Janaki became one of India’s most celebrated playback singers. She recorded over 40,000 songs across several languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, and became the voice behind generations of film stars.

She received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the Tamil song “Senthoora Poove” from Bharathiraja’s directorial debut in 1988. She was also honoured with 33 State Film Awards.

In 2013, Janaki was selected for the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours. Her remarkable body of work included classical compositions, romantic melodies, folk songs, comic tracks and emotionally powerful duets, showcasing the versatility and sweetness of her voice.