S Janaki, playback singer with 48,000 songs, dies at 88

Janaki was born on April 23, 1938, in Pallapatla, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. She began her playback career with the Tamil film 'Vidhiyin Vilayattu' in 1957 at age 19.

She won four National Film Awards and 33 state film awards. The University of Mysore gave her an honorary doctorate. She also received the Kalaimamani award from Tamil Nadu and the Rajyotsava Prashasti from Karnataka.

In 2013, Janaki refused the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, saying it came too late. She had said she deserved the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for her contributions to music.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said in a post on X: "Through her golden voice, Janaki Amma had found a place in the hearts and homes of millions." He directed that her last rites be conducted with full state honours.

Her mortal remains will be placed at Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru on Sunday morning for the public to pay respects. The last rites will take place at a farm in Kaniyanahundi village in Mysuru, according to the family.