CM Majhi mourns S. Janaki, hails her Odia film legacy
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the passing of legendary playback singer S. Janaki on 12 July 2026, praising her timeless contributions to Odia cinema and Indian music, and prayed to Lord Jagannath for peace to her soul.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi posted a formal condolence on 12 July 2026 mourning the death of playback singer S.
The CM described her passing as 'the end of a bright star in the sky of Indian music.' He highlighted her Odia film songs as timeless and said they would resonate in every Odia heart forever.
The Chief Minister prayed to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath for peace to her soul and extended condolences to her family and crores of music lovers .
Janaki was a prolific playback singer who contributed to cinema across multiple Indian languages, including Odia .
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday, 12 July 2026, expressed grief over the passing of legendary playback singer S. Janaki, describing her death as the setting of a bright star in the firmament of Indian music. The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to her bereaved family and to millions of music lovers across the country.
Context
Posting in Odia, CM Majhi wrote: 'ବିଶିଷ୍ଟ କଣ୍ଠଶିଳ୍ପୀ ଏସ୍. ଜାନକୀଙ୍କ ଦେହାନ୍ତ ଖବର ପାଇ ମୁଁ ଦୁଃଖିତ' — 'I am saddened to learn of the passing of distinguished vocalist S. Janaki.' He said the timeless songs she sang for Odia cinema would resonate in every Odia heart forever, and described her departure as 'the end of a bright star in the sky of music.'
The Chief Minister also prayed to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath — the presiding deity of Odisha — for peace to her soul, closing his message with the Sanskrit invocation 'Om Shanti' (May she rest in peace).
Policy Backdrop
S. Janaki was one of India's most prolific playback singers, lending her voice to films across multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and Odia over a career spanning several decades. Her contribution to Odia cinema earned her a devoted following in the state, with several of her songs becoming cultural landmarks for generations of listeners.
Indian state governments and elected leaders have a long-standing practice of issuing formal public tributes when veteran artists who contributed to regional cinema and national culture pass away. Such statements serve both as official recognition of the artist's legacy and as a message of solidarity with grieving communities.
Stakeholders and Impact
The condolence cuts across political lines, reflecting S. Janaki's pan-Indian appeal and her particular resonance with Odia audiences. Music lovers, members of the Odia film industry, and cultural organisations across the state are among those mourning her loss.
CM Majhi's invocation of Lord Jagannath in his prayer for the singer's soul underscores the deep cultural and spiritual identity of Odisha, where the deity is central to public life and ceremonial expression.
What's Next
The Odisha government may announce state-level memorial events or cultural programmes to honour S. Janaki's legacy, particularly her contributions to Odia cinema. Such tributes from the government would provide the film and music fraternity a formal space to celebrate her enduring body of work.
Her passing marks the end of an era for an entire generation of Indian cinema audiences, and tributes from leaders across states are expected to reflect the scale of her cultural impact on the subcontinent.
Point of View
He anchors her legacy within Odisha's cultural identity. The invocation of Lord Jagannath gives the condolence a distinctly Odia spiritual register that resonates with the state's audience. This follows a broader pattern of BJP-led state governments using cultural tributes to reinforce regional pride and connect governance with grassroots sentiment. The statement is unlikely to carry political controversy but signals the government's attentiveness to the cultural community.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Odisha CM Mohan Majhi say about S. Janaki's death?
CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow, saying her passing was like 'the end of a bright star in the sky of music' and that her timeless Odia film songs would resonate in every Odia heart forever.
Did S. Janaki sing songs in Odia films?
Yes, S. Janaki sang several memorable and enduring songs for Odia cinema, which CM Majhi specifically referenced in his condolence message as part of her lasting cultural contribution.
Why did CM Majhi mention Lord Jagannath in his tribute?
CM Majhi prayed to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath — the principal deity of Odisha — for peace to S. Janaki's soul, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural centrality of the deity in Odia public life.
Will Odisha hold any memorial event for S. Janaki?
No official announcement has been made yet, but the Odisha government may organise state-level memorial or cultural programmes to honour S. Janaki's contributions to Odia cinema and music.
