Bogadi Road, officially known as Mysuru‑Gaddige Road, has become the focus of a heartfelt campaign to honor one of India’s most cherished playback singers, S. Janaki. While she dazzled audiences across 20 languages during a prolific career, few outside Karnataka knew that she chose the quiet outskirts of Mysuru as her sanctuary in later life.

Life at the Farmhouse

For several years, Janaki lived in a modest farmhouse owned by Naveen Kumar, a local entrepreneur who runs a furniture showroom named after the singer. The singer’s presence there was almost invisible to the public, yet those who visited described a deep bond between Janaki and Kumar’s family, who treated her as one of their own.

Emotional Appeal and Political Backing

During a recent press interaction, Kumar appealed to the Karnataka state government, stating, “I humbly request that Bogadi Road be renamed after the late S. Janaki. It would be a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.” The appeal resonated with G.T. Deve Gowda, MLA of the Chamundeshwari constituency, who assured that he would raise the matter with the state cabinet and pursue every avenue to fulfill the fans’ wish.

Why Renaming Matters

Renaming a road is more than a symbolic gesture; it embeds cultural memory into everyday life. A dedicated “S. Janaki Road” would constantly remind commuters of her contribution to Indian music and could transform Mysuru into a pilgrimage site for music lovers nationwide.

Potential Ripple Effects

If the proposal succeeds, it may inspire similar initiatives across the country, encouraging municipalities to commemorate artists, writers, and other cultural icons. Moreover, the move could boost tourism, drawing fans eager to explore the very place where Janaki spent her twilight years, thereby benefitting the local economy.