Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki breathed her last at 1.59 pm IST today after long illness. Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki’s demise created a huge uproar as she was in perfect health. She has left behind daughter Uma Devi, grandchildren Rajesh and Kavitha, son in law Venu and a number of nephews and nieces. Her death has created political reactions as various political field members paid tribute to the legendary actress.

Actress who was once called as NTR’s favorite heroine passes away

Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki who was earlier known as Sankaramanchi Janaki made her debut in the 1950 Telugu film Shavukaru with NTR. She was renamed as Sowcar Janaki by the director after her special performance in the film. The director reportedly fell in love with her performance.

The veteran actress has more than 400 films to her credit in her seven decade long career, spanning across all genres from drama to comedy, romance to fantasy and has worked with industry’s superstars like Shivarajkumar, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and others. Sowcar Janaki has acted in films like Baaga Piravinai, Paarthiban Kanavu, Paava Mannippu, Baama Vijayam, Iru Kodugal and more. Sowcar Janaki was as good playing mother as she was in her youth.

Janaki wins this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Padma Shri from the Government of India.

Sowcar Janaki’s death has sent shockwaves in the entire film industry as numerous actors and political leaders paid tributes to the legendary actress. Her colleague and actor Kamal Haasan pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Sowcar Janaki by recalling her as the “unignorable talent” of South Indian cinema. He further says that he always saw her tremendous performance as a mother on screen and that the industry would miss her dearly. Her mortal remains will be kept in Chennai for people to pay their last respects before the final rites take place tomorrow Saturday at the Besant Nagar Crematorium.

From NTR to Sivaji Ganesan: She was everyone’s favorite

The veteran actress has worked with all the leading men of South Indian cinema, from the legendary NTR, M.G.R., Gemini Ganesan, Sivaji Ganesan and more. She has played mistress, daughter, mother and wife in the stories told on screen. The legendary actress has also starred with several current superstars, including Kamal Haasan and Nasser, in her seven decade long career.

She was recently seen in the Telugu film Anni Manchi Sakunamule released last year. She has also starred in the film with the upcoming young hero Nandini Reddy. He pays his respects to the late night star. “She was the most amiable and helpful co star he has ever worked with”, he said.

Business Fortune mourns her death. Despite having tremendous performances in the classic films Kalyana Saugandhiki, Thozhundhira, her work in cinema will be remembered for her versatility.

 

FAQs

Who was Sowcar Janaki?

Sowcar Janaki was a veteran actress who appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films.

How old was Sowcar Janaki?

Sowcar Janaki was 94 years old.

When did Sowcar Janaki die?

Sowcar Janaki died on 21 August 2026 in Chennai at 1.59 pm IST.

How many movies has Sowcar Janaki acted in?

Sowcar Janaki has acted in more than 400 films in her seven decade long career.

Why was she called Sowcar Janaki?

She was named Sowcar Janaki after her debut film Shavukaru released in 1950.