For KJ Yesudas, every memory of S Janaki begins with a song

As the music world mourns the passing of S Janaki at 88, veteran playback singer K J Yesudas looked back on a friendship that spanned decades, remembering her as an extraordinary singer, a meticulous artiste and an affectionate elder sister.

"My dearest Janaki Amma is also bidding us farewell. Just as the melodies we sang together, sweet memories of that great singer come flooding back to my mind," he said.

Recalling their close bond, Yesudas said he could still hear Janaki affectionately calling him "Dase". Although she was like an elder sister to him, he always addressed her as "Janaki Amma".

Beyond her voice, what fascinated him most was her command over the art of singing.

"She would sing standing perfectly still in front of the microphone, with only her lips moving. Yet, her voice would resonate with a powerful surge of emotions and intricate musical flourishes. It was a masterclass in vocal artistry, demonstrating that a singer's true instrument is their voice and technique, not merely their physical presence," he said, adding that she almost always preferred using a stand microphone during stage performances.

Yesudas also remembered Janaki's meticulous preparation. She would carry a small diary to recordings and concerts, in which she had neatly handwritten the lyrics of her songs. The same diary also contained detailed notes about every recording, including the date and the studio where it was recorded.

The veteran singer recalled that they first met during the rehearsal of a song composed by M. S. Viswanathan at a studio in Chennai. According to him, the first song they recorded together was 'Kalithozhimarenne Kaliyakki' from the film 'Murapennu', composed by B. A. Chidambaranath.

"And then, countless more songs followed," he said.

Reflecting on the recording process of that era, Yesudas noted that songs were recorded on a single track, with rehearsals and recording happening together. Singing together so frequently, he said, helped them develop an instinctive understanding of each other's pitch, expression and musical phrasing.

He described Janaki's vocal range as astonishing, saying she could effortlessly sing in any pitch and handle even the most demanding sangathis with ease. Whether it was melody-based songs, classical compositions, folk numbers or children's songs, she adapted seamlessly to every genre.
Yesudas also highlighted her remarkable ability to sing in a child's voice, a rare gift that remained with her throughout her career.

He fondly remembered recording 'Koonthalile Nei Thadavi' for the Tamil film 'Kalyana Oorvalam', saying playful dialogues within songs were never his strength, but Janaki and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam excelled at them.

"How delightful it was when she sweetly called out 'Chittappa' during the song," he recalled.
He also pointed to Janaki's flawless Malayalam diction, saying listeners who heard her songs alongside those of P. Susheela would never have imagined that neither of them was Malayali.

Among the many songs they sang together, Yesudas said audiences most frequently requested 'Akale Akale Neelaakaasham' and 'Thenral Vandhu Ennai Thodum'. They remain among his personal favourites as well.

He also cherished the opportunity to have Janaki lend her voice to 'Poomukiloru Puzhayaakaan', a song he composed for the film 'Theekkannal'.
As he looked back on decades of music and companionship, Yesudas remembered Janaki not only as one of India's finest playback singers, but also as a perfectionist whose dedication to her craft was matched by her humility and affection.