Carnatic Vocalist and Scholar S.R. Janakiraman Dies at 98 in Chennai

S.R. Janakiraman, a distinguished Carnatic musician, teacher, and musicologist, passed away in Chennai on Friday. He was 98. Known widely by his initials S.R.J., he was celebrated for his erudite lecture-demonstrations, which were a staple of the December music festival season in the city for many years.

Born in Lalgudi, Janakiraman's early life was marked by adversity. He lost sight in one eye due to smallpox and could not begin formal schooling until the age of 11. His initial musical training was under Thanneerpalli Krishnamoorthy Iyer and Shaptharishi Iyer, before he moved to Chennai to join Kalakshetra for the Sangita Siromani course.

At Kalakshetra, his talent was recognised by founder Rukmini Devi Arundale, who arranged for him to study under the direct tutelage of the legendary Tiger Varadachariar in the traditional gurukula system. He was the last surviving student of this master. His learning was further enriched under other eminent musicians, including Tirupampuram Swaminatha Pillai, Musiri Subramania Iyer, T. Brinda, Professor Sambamurthy, and P.K. Rajagopala Iyer.

Janakiraman's professional career included teaching at Madanapalle and the Tirupati Music College. He later joined the Music Academy in Chennai, where he focused on research and writing. A significant scholarly achievement was his English translation of the Sangita Sampradaya Pradarsini, a foundational text on south Indian music.

His contributions were recognised with several honours, including the Padma Shri, the Kalaimamani award, and the Sangeeta Kalacharya title.