When S. Janaki rejected the Padma Bhushan

“I should have been given the highest civilian award of Bharat Ratna if the government wanted to recognise my work. I am not interested in any other awards like the Padma awards,” Janaki said, after she was chosen for the Padma Bhushan

Having sung thousands of songs across multiple languages for nearly half a century, when the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan upon S. Janaki in 2013, she rejected award describing it as having come too late for her.When the governmentof Indiaannouncedthe padma award on the eve of republicday in 2013. Janaki was chosen for the Padma Bhushan. However, she refused to accept it. “I am not finding fault with anyone for this late recognition. I have no grouse against the government. I was happy that the government has honoured me,” she said.