Actress and Bigg Boss contestant Shivani Narayanan has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary playback singer S Janaki, who passed away on 11 July 2026 at Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, following multiple cardiac arrests. Shivani shared videos of herself singing some of Janaki's most beloved songs on her Instagram page, describing the gesture as one born purely of admiration rather than formal training.

Shivani's Tribute on Instagram

In her post, Shivani wrote, 'No formal training, just pure admiration for the Nightingale of the South.' She elaborated that growing up listening to Janaki Amma's voice had taught her how to feel music, calling the vocal modulation of the legendary singer 'perfection.' 'Singing her track is incredibly challenging because her vocal modulation is perfection, but I couldn't resist trying out of sheer love and respect,' she said.

Shivani also acknowledged the magnitude of the loss, noting that the void left by the legend was irreplaceable, while finding solace in the permanence of her music. She concluded her tribute with the words: 'A golden voice has fallen silent, but her melodies will echo forever.'

Who Was S Janaki

S Janaki was one of India's most celebrated playback singers, with a career spanning several decades and more than 48,000 songs recorded across multiple Indian languages. A four-time National Award winner, she was widely known as the Nightingale of the South. Her contributions to Indian cinema — particularly in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam film music — remain unparalleled.

Circumstances of Her Passing

S Janaki was admitted to Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, on 11 July 2026 at 12:49 PM in a critical condition and was immediately shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). According to the hospital's official statement, she suffered a cardiac arrest during the course of treatment, following which advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. Despite resuscitative efforts, she experienced multiple cardiac arrests and could not be revived. She was declared deceased at 7:30 PM on 11 July 2026. She was 88 years old.

An Outpouring of Grief

Shivani Narayanan's tribute is among the many expressions of grief from across the Indian film and music fraternity following Janaki's passing. The singer's legacy — built over decades of extraordinary range and emotional depth — has inspired generations of musicians and fans alike. This comes amid a broader wave of tributes from artists, filmmakers, and admirers across South India and beyond.

As the music world continues to mourn her loss, Janaki's recordings remain a living testament to a voice that defined an era — and, as Shivani's tribute underscores, continues to inspire long after her passing.