Veteran Actress Sowcar Janaki Passes Away at 94

Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki, aged 94, passed away in Chennai on Friday (August 21).

Sowcar Janaki was admitted to a leading private hospital in Alwarpet, Chennai, on Thursday after suffering from a heart-related condition. She was undergoing intensive treatment under the supervision of cardiology specialists but passed away on Friday despite treatment.

Sowcar Janaki made her acting debut in the Telugu film Shavukaru in 1950. Over a career spanning seven decades, she acted in more than 400 films.

She worked alongside several legendary South Indian actors, including N.T. Rama Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, M.G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, Rajkumar and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

Some of her notable films include Puthiya Paravai (1964), Neerkumizhi (1965), Mahakavi Kalidas (1966), Ethir Neechal (1968), Iru Kodugal (1969), Uyarndha Manithan (1968), Kaviyathalaivan (1970), Thillu Mullu (1981), Vetri Vizha (1989), Devi (1999) and Hey Ram (2000).

Her final Tamil film was Biskoth, starring Santhanam, which was released in 2020. The film marked her 400th movie.

Sowcar Janaki received several honours during her illustrious career, including the Padma Shri from the Government of India and the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government.