Veteran Actress Sowcar Janaki Passes Away at 94

Janaki had been admitted to Kaveri Hospital in Chennai recently after developing health complications associated with old age. She died while receiving treatment, actor Nassar, president of the actors association, announced.

For many viewers, Janaki was more than just a supporting presence on screen. Over a career lasting several decades, she took up roles of different shades and worked with some of the biggest names in South Indian cinema.

She was born Shankaramanchi Janaki in Rajahmundry and made her film debut in 1950 with Sowcar, directed by LV Prasad. The film became a success and gave her the name by which she would later be known throughout the industry.

Her career was not limited to Telugu cinema. She went on to act in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films and also appeared on television. Even after spending decades in the industry, she continued to take up film roles.

Her filmography includes more than 450 movies. She also had the rare opportunity to work with actors from several generations, sharing the screen with celebrated personalities such as MGR, Jayalalithaa, NTR, ANR, Sivaji Ganesan and Rajkumar.

Janaki remained connected with Telugu cinema even in her later years. Her last known film appearance came in 2023 with Anni Manchi Sakunamule.

The government recognised her contribution to the arts by conferring the Padma Shri on her in 2022. The honour came after a long career in which she became a respected figure across South Indian film industries.

With her death, Telugu cinema has lost one of its veteran performers. Her work across generations and languages has secured her a lasting place in the history of South Indian cinema.