The passing of legendary playback singer S. Janaki on Saturday, July 11, marks the end of a vital chapter in the history of Kannada cinema. Janaki, who was 88 years old, leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable melodies that have been etched in the hearts of music lovers. One such iconic song is ‘Naguva Nayana’ from the 1983 film ‘Pallavi Anu Pallavi’, which showcases her striking chemistry with S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
Director Yogaraj Bhat described Janaki as an extraordinary talent who could sing songs across genres. He fondly remembered her as ‘amma’ and noted that her music is eternal. The Kannada music and film fraternities have been pouring in tributes, with many highlighting her versatility and remarkable ability to adapt to different genres. Her expression of love in the song ‘Idu Nanna Ninna Prema Geethe Chinna’ from the 1987 film ‘Premaloka’ is a testament to her youthful energy.
Janaki’s impact on Kannada culture is undeniable. Her song ‘Jotheyali’ from the 1981 film ‘Geetha’ has become an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage. Lyricist V. Nagendra Prasad praised her as a great role model for the next generation of playback singers, citing her ability to learn the Kannada language and provide the right expression for the lyrics. She was also known for her children’s songs, such as ‘A Aa E Ee Kannadada Aksharamale’ and ‘Sihimuttu, Sihimuttu Innondu’.
Janaki’s unique ability to convey emotions through her voice without any facial expressions was noted by composer R.P. Patnaik. Her songs have been a staple of Kannada retro hits, with film historian K. Puttaswamy citing ‘Gaaligopura Ninnashatheera’ from ‘Nanda Deepa’ (1962) and ‘Yaava Janmada Maithri’ from ‘Gowri’ as some of her solo classics. Janaki lent her voice to iconic songs for every renowned music composer in Kannada cinema, including Vijay Bhaskar, Rajan-Nagendra, and G.K. Venkatesh.
Janaki’s partnership with K.J. Yesudas resulted in some of her most memorable songs, including ‘Ee Bandhana’ from the 1984 film ‘Bandhana’. Even the great Janaki faced challenges, as she once confessed that ‘Shiva Shiva Ennada’ from S. Siddalingaiah’s ‘Hemavathi’ (1977) was one of her toughest renditions. Despite this, she continued to enthrall audiences with her music, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.
