S Janaki: A Musical Legend Laid to Rest with State Honors

S Janaki, the beloved playback singer, was honored with a state funeral in Mysuru after her passing at 88. Family, fans, and film personalities gathered to pay tribute to her extraordinary contributions to Indian music. The article reflects on her personal losses, including the deaths of her son and granddaughter, and highlights her remarkable career, which spanned over six decades and included over 40,000 songs in various Indian languages. Apsara Vydyula, her granddaughter, shared emotional tributes on social media, emphasizing the deep bonds within their family.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 12:37 IST

Farewell to a Legend

On Sunday, the renowned playback singer S Janaki was honored with a state funeral in Mysuru, following her passing at the age of 88. A large gathering of family, fans, and notable figures from the film industry came together at the Maharaja College Grounds to pay their respects to the legendary artist, whose remarkable voice has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema over the years. As the nation grieves her departure, many are reflecting on the personal hardships she faced, including the tragic loss of her only son and granddaughter, both of whom predeceased her.

The Loss of S Janaki's Son

S Janaki Death: Who Was Singer's Son Who Died The Same Year As Her

S Janaki married V Ramprasad in 1959, who was a steadfast supporter throughout her successful career, often accompanying her to recording sessions. Sadly, Ramprasad passed away in 1997 due to a cardiac arrest. The couple had a son, Murali Krishna, who grew up in a musically inclined family. Murali later wed Chennai dancer Uma, and they had two daughters before their separation. Tragically, he also succumbed to a cardiac arrest earlier this year.

Remembering S Janaki's Granddaughter

Who Is S Janaki's Granddaughter Who Passed Away?

S Janaki's granddaughters, Varsha and Apsara Vydyula, were born to her son Murali Krishna and his ex-wife, Uma. Following the passing of the iconic singer, Apsara took to social media to share the news. Varsha, however, passed away in 2023, with the circumstances surrounding her death remaining undisclosed. In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, Apsara expressed the deep connection she shared with both her sister and grandmother, noting that Varsha was her grandmother's favorite and that they had an extraordinary understanding of one another. She conveyed that their family would struggle to heal from Varsha's loss, describing grief as a lifelong burden.

Apsara's Emotional Tribute

In another touching message, Apsara found solace in the thought that her grandmother and sister are reunited. She addressed those who questioned her grief, emphasizing that her love for her grandmother should not be judged by visible tears. S Janaki's illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded more than 40,000 songs across nearly 20 Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Tulu, Urdu, and Punjabi.