Sowcar Janaki, veteran South Indian actress, dies at 94

Veteran South Indian actress Sowcar Janaki passed away on Friday, August 21, at the age of 94. She died at 1:59 pm while undergoing treatment for age-related health complications and respiratory issues in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Chennai.

Her career spanned over seven decades and included nearly 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. She rose to prominence following her 1950 Telugu debut in ‘Shavukaru’, which earned her the screen name ‘Sowcar’. Known for her versatility, she successfully transitioned from a leading lady to a respected character actor, working with legendary figures such as M.G.R., Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, and Rajinikanth.

In recognition of her lifetime contribution to Indian cinema, the Indian government conferred upon her the Padma Shri award in 2022. Her passing has drawn tributes from various film industry leaders, including actor Kamal Haasan and Nadigar Sangam President Nassar. She is survived by her husband, three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.