Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, whose extraordinary voice captivated generations of music lovers across India, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88 following health complications.

Janaki was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Mysuru in the early hours of Saturday after her condition deteriorated. According to hospital officials, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition. Despite intensive medical care and continuous monitoring, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead later in the evening, reports The Hindu.

Family sources said the singer, who had been living in Mysuru’s Bogadi area for the past few years, was rushed to the hospital by her caregivers after her health worsened. However, she did not respond to treatment.

Paying tribute, her granddaughter, Apsara Vydyula, shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying Janaki “left us peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.”

“While our hearts are heavy, we are also filled with gratitude for the extraordinary life she lived and the immeasurable joy she brought to millions through her timeless music,” she wrote.

Remembering her as both a legendary artist and a beloved family member, Apsara added, “To the world she was an iconic voice whose songs became part of countless memories. To us, she was a loving grandmother whose warmth, humility, kindness and grace will remain with us forever.”

Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest playback singers, Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in multiple languages, primarily Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

During a remarkable career spanning over six decades, she lent her voice to films, albums, television and radio, performing in around 20 Indian languages, including Hindi, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali.

Her unparalleled versatility, expressive singing style and enduring musical legacy made S. Janaki one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire generations.