Some call her ‘the nightingale of the south’ while others marvel at her excellence in music, the range of her voice and the accuracy of her notes. Her quest for perfection is seen in her distinctive tone and matchless diction in any language she sings in.
At 78, S Janaki, one of the best playback singers in South Indian cinema, can put a 20-year-old to shame. Who can forget songs like Malare Mounama (Karna, 1964), Sundari Kannaal (Thalapathi, 1991), Adi Aathadi (Kadalora Kavithaigal, 1986) and thousands more that seep through each phrase, defying her age? But unfortunately for her fans, Janakiamma is calling it quits after 40,000 songs in a career that has spanned over 60 years. She announced recently that she would neither record songs nor sing in the future. City Express has a chat with the legend...
Why did you decide to quit singing?
I ventured into playback singing when I was quite young. I worked hard and I feel it’s time to retire. It wasn’t a conscious decision, though I have been contemplating that I need to quit for a while. It just happened at the right time. I have even decided not to go to any programmes or events as the chief guest. I need a break, which I haven’t taken at all. Now that I am home, I am cooking for myself (smiles). Previously, I didn’t have time to do that. Also, I want to spend more time with my fans, seeing them and talking to them.
Looking back, how do you feel?
I am blessed to have worked with legends like Mohammed Rafi, Bismillah Khan, Chitti Babu, KV Mahadevan, MS Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja among many. I have worked with the young music directors like Anirudh as well. I count myself extremely lucky. I am cordial to everyone. So, I strike a chord with both young talents and established artistes.
So will the Ammapoovinu track from the Malayalam film 10 Kalpanakal officially be your last song? What if you get songs that make you change your mind?
No, I won’t. (Laughs) One-is-better-than-the-other, right? I have sung some of the most beautiful numbers, which remain close to my heart. 10 Kalpanakal music director Mithun Eeshwar actually asked me if I could sing another song, but I didn’t oblige. It has been three years since I moved to Hyderabad. I’d like to rest, relax more. It’s not that I can’t sing; I don’t want to. In a way, it’s good because I am giving space for other singers. Don’t you think so?
At some point of time, voices age, but yours seem ageless. How?
(Grins) I might have aged, but my fascination for music is intact. I think it’s god’s gift, and I can’t thank him enough. I feel I was born to sing! By the way, I have never had issues singing in languages I am not familiar with. I get to know the meaning of lyrics. Then, I write them down in Hindi or Telugu and learn how to pronounce. Eventually, I modulate and sing. All lies in practice!
Why did you reject the Padma Bhushan award? You thought it came to you too late...
I never believed in awards. If people like my singing and they remember me, that is the biggest award. And, I wholeheartedly accept whatever awards came my way. Because I think it’s an endorsement of the people’s choice and their verdict. I feel humbled to see my fans and their love. But I have something to add — the central government should show more consideration to the artists from the south and recognise their contributions.
What do you think about the present generation of singers and music composers?
Oh, they are very promising. Everyone is attempting to do something different.Anyone can sing, but to sustain, you need to put in hard work and effort. The foundation has to be strong. At the end of the day, you need to know what you sing.