Kamal Hasan entered film industry as a child artist, winning awards and rewards from his very first movie at such a tender age. Later on, he did almost everything possible as an artist in Indian cinema. Not only across all languages in South India but his roles in Hindi and Bengali were also received with same admiration by audience.
Janaki amma’s voice was constantly heard in his blockbusters through out 80s and early 90’s. She gave playback practically to almost all heroines who paired up with him.
SPB – S Janaki:
Balu sir was voice of Kamal sir almost always. When Kamal sir’s movies were dubbed into Telugu, it was Balu sir’s voice that suited his action like a second skin. Telugu audience may not accept Kamal sir’s own voice as his voice. Such was impact of Balu sir’s dubbing and that much addicted they are for Kamal-Balu.
Balu-Janaki duets for Kamal hasan and his heroines are just outstanding.
Let it be MSV’s evergreen Sippi Irukkudu (Kanne Pillavani in Telugu) or Ilayaraja’s Andi mazhai (Sundaramo sumadhuramo in Telugu) S P Balu – S Janaki chemistry worked like a charm.
One of their career best duet “Mounamelonoyi” was picturised on two most beautiful artists of Indian cinema Kamal-Jayaprada on screen.
Kamal-Sridevi duets like “Perai Sollava”, “Radha Radha Nee Enge” were equally beautiful. How can we forget those mesmerising Kamal-Ambika duets like “Kanmaniye Pesu” or “Vaanile Thenila”..! Kamal-Jayasudha in “Abbo neredu pallu” or Kamal-Sripriya in “Look Love me dear” were very romantic ..!
Let it be any actress pairing next to Kamal sir, Janaki amma gave that unique romantic touch in every single duet as Balu sir gave for Kamal’s acting .. They made every song extra special ..!
Duets with K J Yesudas, Malaysia Vasudevan, Jayachandran:
Though Balu sir sang for Kamal sir most of the time, Songs by other legendary singers on Kamal sir were also very popular..!
Janaki amma’s duets with Dasettan for Kamal starrers like “Enthan Nenjil”/”Enge En Jeevane” easily lists among their best duets ever.
Malaysia Vasudevan was voice with Midas touch.. Look at his duets like “Inda Minminukku”/”Per vechhalam” –> They are just perfect!
Jayachandran’s duet “Thalattude Vaanam” on kamal-Sujatha is melody in it’s purest form..! Janaki amma’s expressive entry in the song in charanam leaves us with nothing less than goosebumps..!
Mesmerising Solos:
Where to start about those magical moments Janaki amma gifts us with her Solos in Kamal sir’s movies..!
“Sandhye Kanneridende”/”Ee Malar Kanyakal” from Madanolsavam in Malayalam, “Om Namah Sivaya”/”Bala Kanakamaya Chela” from Sagara Sangamam in Telugu,
“Sanje Thangali” in Kannada are all pure bliss..
Look at the variety of songs in Tamil –> Folksy “Aayirathil Nee oruthan” , soothing “Naan Undan Thaayaga Vendum”, Versatile “Enthan Kannil”, western jazz like “Idu Oru NIla kalam”,Melancholic “Vazhkai Odum Sella” .. what not, all varieties!!
Janaki amma won her first National award for “Sindhoora Puvve” song for Kamal-Sridevi starrer “Padinaru Vayadinile”.
Sensuous songs:
Janaki amma’s most sensuous song “Ponmeni” for which she won a Tamil Nadu state award was in Kamal sir’s movie ..! Her sensuous duets with Balu sir like “Nethu Rathiri yamma”, “Naan Pooveduthu” in Kamal sir’s movies were sensational hits.
Janaki amma’s singing in Vasudevan sir’s duet “Nilakayudu Neram Nella neram” presented to Tamil audience a singer they never saw before..! What a roaring hit it turned out to be with her versatile performance..!
Songs with western beats like “Poopotta dhavani”/”Hey Unnaithane”/”Thathom Thalangu Thathom” will be among career best hits of Kamal sir!
Songs in Other languages:
Though Kamal sir predominantly acted in Tamil movies, his movies and songs in other languages were also popular. Janaki amma sang in 5 languages for his movies.
In Telugu, most of his straight movies had Janaki amma’s ever living melodies. Especially K Viswanath movies he acted in like Swathi Muthyam, Sagara Sangamam were filled with Janaki amma’s melodies.
Manasu Palike Mouna Geetham , Suvvi Suvvi SUvvalamma, Chinnari ponnari kittayya –> all of these songs had become part and parcel of Telugu culture. Songs in Indrudu chandrudu, Oka radha iddaru krishnulu were extremely popular.
Similarly, Janaki amma’s song in Kannada movie Mariya My Darling, Malayalam movie Kanya Kumari and Hindi dubbed movies like Do DIl Deewane are all beautiful melodies to cherish forever..!
Kamal-Janaki duets:
Beyond all above songs, the duets they sang together really stand out. Though few in number, emotions they evoke are countless..!
His first ever duet was with Janaki amma and he sang like a prince in real sense..! That romantic “Ninaivo Oru Paravai” still remains a classic!
Followed by it are magical melodies like “Sundari Neeyum”, “Kanmani anbodu kadhalan” etc..!
Janaki amma fondly recollects that Kamal sir actually sang “Meendum Meendum Vaa” song which was later replaced by Balu sir’s voice.
Janaki amma won her 4th National award for a duet with Kamal sir for her natural expressive singing in “inji iduppazhagi” song..!
How many songs can we talk about, every single song from this combination is a classic.. Every song has it’s own identity and story, it remains close to us, with us and in us ..!
It is not possible to list all songs, however listed most prominent songs here. Generally, we ignore dubbing songs but for Kamal sir’s movies, dubbing songs also were special.. hence, listed the same also here..!
Movie | Song | Year | Language |
Kanyakumari | Chandrapalangu manimala | 1974 | Malayalam |
16 Vayathinile | Chendoora Poove | 1977 | Tamil |
16 Vayathinile | Aattukkutti | 1977 | Tamil |
16 Vayathinile | Manjakkulichi | 1977 | Tamil |
Kokila | Sanje Thangali | 1977 | Kannada |
Madanolsavam | Sandye Kanneerithende | 1978 | Malayalam |
Madanolsavam | Ee Malarkanyakal | 1978 | Malayalam |
Maro Charitra | Padaharellaku Neelo Nalo | 1978 | Telugu |
Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu | Kinnaththil Then | 1978 | Tamil |
Sattam En Kaiyil | Aazhakadalil | 1978 | Tamil |
Vayasu Pilichindi | Jeevitha Madhusaala | 1978 | Telugu |
Sigappu Rojakkal | Indha Minminikku | 1978 | Tamil |
Sigappu Rojakkal | Ninaivo Oru Paravai | 1978 | Tamil |
Manidharil Ithanai Nirangala | Ponne Boomiyadi | 1978 | Tamil |
Aval Appadithan | Vazhkkai Odam | 1978 | Tamil |
Sommokadidi Sokokadidi | Tholivalapo | 1978 | Telugu |
Sommokadidi Sokokadidi | Abbo Neredu Pallu | 1979 | Telugu |
Neeya | Oru Kodi | 1979 | Tamil |
Ninaithale Inikkum | Ninaithale Inikkum | 1979 | Tamil |
Kalyanaraman | Ninaithaal Inikkum | 1979 | Tamil |
Mangala Vaathiyam | Thulli Varum Kaalai | 1979 | Tamil |
Mangala Vaathiyam | Sorgam Therikiradhu | 1979 | Tamil |
Neela Malargal | Angatha Nattil | 1979 | Tamil |
Ullasa Paravaigal | Azhagiya Malargalin | 1980 | Tamil |
Ullasa Paravaigal | Azhagu Aayiram | 1980 | Tamil |
Ullasa Paravaigal | Germaniyin Senthen Malare | 1980 | Tamil |
Ullasa Paravaigal | Naan Undan Thaayaaga | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Parandhalum Vidamatten | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Perai Chollava | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Endhan Kannil | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Maamanukku Paramakudi | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Naan Vanangugiren | 1980 | Tamil |
Guru | Nela aina Ningi aina | 1980 | Telugu |
Guru | Perucheppana | 1980 | Telugu |
Guru | Kannula Kaipu | 1980 | Telugu |
Guru | Nimmasettu Needunnadi | 1980 | Telugu |
Guru | Naa Vandanam | 1980 | Telugu |
Varumayin Niram Sivappu | Sippi Irukkuthu | 1980 | Tamil |
Varumayin Niram Sivappu | Tu Hai Raja | 1980 | Tamil |
Maria, My Darling | Hoovanthe Naanu Olidaaga | 1980 | Kannada |
Maria, My Darling | Setupattu | 1980 | Tamil |
Maria, My Darling | Unnaithan Enni | 1980 | Tamil |
Akali Rajyam | Kanne Pillavani | 1981 | Telugu |
Akali Rajyam | Tu Hai Raja | 1981 | Telugu |
Meendum Kokila | Ponnana Meni | 1981 | Tamil |
Meendum Kokila | Radha Radha Nee | 1981 | Tamil |
Raja Paarvai | Andhi Mazhai Pozhikirathu | 1981 | Tamil |
Amavasya Chandrudu | Sundaramo Sumaduramo | 1981 | Telugu |
Kadal Meengal | Thaalattudhe Vaanam | 1981 | Tamil |
Sankarlal | Elankiliyae innum | 1981 | Tamil |
Sankarlal | Paathikkallil | 1981 | Tamil |
Sankarlal | Kasturi Maan ondru | 1981 | Tamil |
Andagadu | Paduchuthanam | 1981 | Telugu |
Andagadu | Ooguthondi Lokam | 1981 | Telugu |
Andagadu | Vachindira Ledi | 1981 | Telugu |
Tik Tik Tik | Idhu Oru Nila Kaalam | 1981 | Tamil |
Ellam Inba Mayyam | Onnum Onnum Rendu | 1981 | Tamil |
Anthiveyilile Ponnu | Allimalarkkaavil | 1982 | Malayalam |
Moondram Pirai | Ponmeni | 1982 | Tamil |
Simla Special | Look Love me dear | 1982 | Tamil |
Sakalakala Vallavan | Nila Kayuthu | 1982 | Tamil |
Sakalakala Vallavan | Nethu Rathiri yamma | 1982 | Tamil |
Pagadai Panirendu | Naan Pathinaru Vayathanaval | 1982 | Tamil |
Sagara Sangamam | Baala Kanakamaya Chela | 1983 | Telugu |
Sagara Sangamam | Mounamelanoyi | 1983 | Telugu |
Sagara Sangamam | Om Namah Sivaya | 1983 | Telugu |
Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey | Ada Rama Nee Nammakitta | 1983 | Tamil |
Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey | Summa Nikkathing | 1983 | Tamil |
Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey | Varudhu Varudhu | 1983 | Tamil |
Enakkul Oruvan | Mutham Pothaathey | 1984 | Tamil |
Kaakki Sattai | Kanmaniyae Pesu | 1985 | Tamil |
Kaakki Sattai | Poo Potta Dhavani | 1985 | Tamil |
Kaakki Sattai | Vaanile Thenila | 1985 | Tamil |
Andha Oru Nimidam | Alaigalil Midhakkudhu | 1985 | Tamil |
Andha Oru Nimidam | Siriya Paravai | 1985 | Tamil |
Andha Oru Nimidam | Nalla Neram Neram | 1985 | Tamil |
Uyarndha Ullam | Engey Enn | 1986 | Tamil |
Japanil Kalyanaraman | Chinna Poo | 1986 | Tamil |
Japanil Kalyanaraman | Radhe En Radhe | 1986 | Tamil |
Swati Mutyam | Chinanri Ponnari Kittayya | 1986 | Telugu |
Swati Mutyam | Suvvi Suvvi | 1986 | Telugu |
Swati Mutyam | Manasu palike | 1986 | Telugu |
Naanum Oru Thozhilali | Aayirathil Nee Oruthan | 1986 | Tamil |
Naanum Oru Thozhilali | Naan Pooveduthu | 1986 | Tamil |
Naanum Oru Thozhilali | Oru Nilavum Malarum | 1986 | Tamil |
Naanum Oru Thozhilali | Sembaruthi Poove | 1986 | Tamil |
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu | Madhura Murali | 1986 | Telugu |
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu | Pattu Mari | 1986 | Telugu |
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu | Danimma | 1986 | Telugu |
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu | Eami Tuntari | 1986 | Telugu |
Vikram | Meendum Meendum Vaa | 1986 | Tamil |
Vikram | Sippikkul Oru Muthu | 1986 | Tamil |
Vikram | Vanithamani | 1986 | Tamil |
Per Sollum Pillai | Maadi Eri Vama | 1987 | Tamil |
Per Sollum Pillai | Thappu Thanda Panniduven | 1987 | Tamil |
Kathal Parisu | Hey Unnaithane | 1987 | Tamil |
Kathal Parisu | Koo Koo Endru Kuyil | 1987 | Tamil |
Kathal Parisu | Kadhal Maharani | 1987 | Tamil |
Apoorva Sagodharargal | Vaazhavaikum | 1989 | Tamil |
Vetri Vizha | Thathom Talangu | 1989 | Tamil |
Vetri Vizha | Seevi Sinukkeduthu | 1989 | Tamil |
Indrudu Chandrudu | Dora Dora Donga Muddu | 1989 | Telugu |
Indrudu Chandrudu | Sandhya Ragapu Sarigamalo | 1989 | Telugu |
Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Sundhari Neeyum | 1990 | Tamil |
Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Vechalum Vekkama Ponnalum | 1990 | Tamil |
Gunaa | Kanmani Anbodu | 1991 | Tamil |
Gunaa | Unnai Naan | 1991 | Tamil |
Singaravelan | Innum Ennai Enna | 1992 | Tamil |
Singaravelan | Thoodhu Selvadharadi | 1992 | Tamil |
Thevar Magan | Inji Idupazhaga | 1992 | Tamil |
Maharasan | Arachu Arachu | 1993 | Tamil |
Maharasan | Rakoozhi Koovum | 1993 | Tamil |
Kalaignan | Endhan Nenjil | 1993 | Tamil |
Mahanadhi | Solladha Raagangal | 1994 | Tamil |
Songs from Dubbed Movies:
Movie | Song | Year | Language |
Do Dil Deewan | Aaj Khoye Se Ho Kyon Yun | 1980 | Hindi |
Do Dil Deewan | Dilbar Aa | 1980 | Hindi |
Do Dil Deewan | Hai Pyar Ka Sangam | 1980 | Hindi |
Do Dil Deewan | Kitne Rangeen Hain | 1980 | Hindi |
Do Dil Deewan | Yeh Jahan Tum | 1980 | Hindi |
Dil Ka Sathi Dil | Mere Prem Ki Gaaye Ragini | 1978 | Hindi |
Dil Ka Sathi Dil | Chhalke Sanjhke Nainna | 1978 | Hindi |
Dil Ka Sathi Dil | Hey Mere Dil Ga | 1978 | Hindi |
Paruva Mazhai | Maadapuraave Vaa | 1978 | Tamil |
Paruva Mazhai | Then Malar Kannigal | 1978 | Tamil |
Paruva Mazhai | Ange Senkathir | 1978 | Tamil |
Maro Charitra | Pathinezhaam Vayassil | 1978 | Malayalam |
Erra Gulabilu | EE Erra Gulabi | 1978 | Telugu |
Erra Gulabilu | Yadalo Toli valape | 1978 | Telugu |
Jeevikkaan Padikkanam | Oru Vasantham | 1978 | Malayalam |
Thoda Varavo Thontharavo | Iru Nilavugal | 1978 | Tamil |
Ammadi Kannaippaaru | Iru Nilavugal | 1978 | Tamil |
Andamaina Anubhavam | Andamaina Anubhavam | 1979 | Telugu |
Kalyana Ramudu | Edo Raagam | 1979 | Telugu |
Tik Tik Tik | idi Oka maro lokam | 1981 | Telugu |
Tik Tik Tik | Nataa Mayuri Vayayri | 1981 | Telugu |
Tik Tik Tik | Ninna sandhya vela | 1981 | Telugu |
Vasantha Kokila | Oorinche Vayasidi | 1982 | Telugu |
Sagara Sangamam | Mounam polum madhuram | 1983 | Malayalam |
Sagara Sangamam | Om Namah Sivaya | 1983 | Malayalam |
Salangai Oli | Mounamana neram | 1983 | Tamil |
Salangai Oli | Om Namah Sivaya | 1983 | Tamil |
Vasantholsavam | Chumma Ninneedale | 1983 | Malayalam |
Vasantholsavam | Hey Kema Ee Nammalodu | 1983 | Malayalam |
Vasantholsavam | Varunnu Varunne ini | 1983 | Malayalam |
Jalsa rayudu | Choope Ghatayinadi | 1983 | Telugu |
Jalsa rayudu | Padaku Padaku | 1983 | Telugu |
Kiladi | Aamani la paadu | 1985 | Telugu |
Kiladi | Monna Monnane | 1985 | Telugu |
Sippikkul Muthu | Manasu mayangum | 1986 | Telugu |
Sippikkul Muthu | Thulli Thulli | 1986 | Telugu |
Sippikkul Muthu | Kannodu Kanna | 1986 | Telugu |
Chandra Banda | Sooryodaya | 1986 | Kannada |
Vijethalu | Undali | 1989 | Telugu |
Vijethalu | Thathom Thalangu | 1989 | Telugu |
Kshatriya Putrudu | Sannajaji Padaka | 1992 | Telugu |
Kedi | Hey Ninne Ninne | 1987 | Telugu |
Kedi | Amavasya Nisilo | 1987 | Telugu |
Kedi | Kanule Palikenule | 1987 | Telugu |
Hare Radha Hare Krsihna | Pachamani | 1986 | Tamil |
Hare Radha Hare Krsihna | Paruva Muruga | 1986 | Tamil |
Hare Radha Hare Krsihna | Saami Kozhi thaan | 1986 | Tamil |
Hare Radha Hare Krsihna | Yaramma | 1986 | Tamil |