“I Do Not Want the Padma Bhushan” – S. Janaki

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, who has rendered over 50,000 songs in 14 languages, declined the prestigious Padma Bhushan award announced by the Government of India in 2013. Despite her immense contribution to Indian music, she chose not to accept the honor, raising questions about the reasons behind her decision. Notably, she was also the first recipient of the national award instituted in the name of Bharat Ratna M. S. Subbulakshmi in 2019.

Explaining her decision, Janaki expressed concern over perceived regional bias in the selection of awardees. She stated that artists from South India were often overlooked for top honors like the Bharat Ratna and Padma awards, while others received greater recognition. She clarified that she respectfully declined the award due to these concerns and remarked that if she were to accept any recognition, it should be at the level of the Bharat Ratna. She added that while she does not blame the government, the delayed recognition caused her disappointment.