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Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki passed away in Chennai on August 21, 2026, at the age of 94 after being hospitalised following ill health. Her passing was confirmed by actor Nassar, who said that she died at 1:59 PM on Friday.
Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki passes away at 94
Sowcar Janaki had a career spanning more than seven decades and appeared in more than 400 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and other Indian-language cinema. She also performed in more than 300 stage shows and worked as a radio artist during her early years.
Following the actress’ passing, Radikaa Sarathkumar expressed her sadness and remembered Sowcar Janaki as a strong-willed pathbreaker. She also recalled having known and worked with her and mentioned Janaki’s close friendship with her father, MR Radha.
Actor Vishnu Manchu also expressed his condolences, remembering Sowcar Janaki as a legendary performer whose grace, dignity, and remarkable body of work would continue to inspire generations. He also extended his condolences to her family.
Here are the posts:
Sowcar Janaki was born as Sankaramanchi Janaki in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, in 1931. She began her career as a radio artist and later entered the film industry. She made her Telugu film debut with Shavukaru, directed by LV Prasad, in 1950. Her Tamil debut came with Valayapathi in 1952.
Over the years, Janaki established herself as a prominent performer in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. She appeared alongside Dr. Rajkumar in Mahishasura Mardini, which was released in 1959 and is regarded as one of the early pan-Indian Kannada films. Her Malayalam film debut was School Master in 1964.
Janaki continued to remain active in cinema for several decades, appearing in films such as Thillu Mullu, Vetri Vizha, Hey Ram, Kanche, and Biskoth. She was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contribution to the arts.
Janaki’s younger sister, Krishna Kumari, was also a noted actress, while her granddaughter Vaishnavi Aravind followed the family’s acting tradition.
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