Legendary Singer S Janaki Passes Away at 88
Legendary playback singer S Janaki passed away at the age of 88 on July 12, 2026. Her death has left the Indian music industry in mourning. Known for her melodious voice across multiple languages, Janaki sang over 48,000 songs in her career spanning six decades.
Following her demise, her iconic song 'Kiliye Kiliye' from the 1985 Malayalam film 'Njan Piranna Mannu' has gone viral on social media platforms. The track, composed by Raveendran and written by Bichu Thirumala, has been shared widely by fans paying tribute to the singer.
Viral Trend After Death
Within hours of the news breaking, the hashtag #KiliyeKiliye trended on Twitter, with thousands of users posting clips and memories. The song's resurgence highlights Janaki's enduring legacy. According to music historian V. S. Suresh, "The song's timeless melody and Janaki's soulful rendition have made it a favorite for generations."
Janaki's career began in the 1950s, and she recorded in over 17 languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and Bengali. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2013 and several state awards.
Impact of Her Music
Her death has sparked renewed interest in her vast discography. Streaming platforms reported a 300% increase in plays of her top songs. Many celebrities paid homage, including actor Mammootty, who said, "Her voice was divine. She will be missed."
Janaki's funeral was held with full state honors in Chennai. She is survived by her daughter, who continues to manage her musical estate.
