Cinema VinesVeteran South Indian actress Sowcar Janaki, whose prolific career spanned more than seven decades and included around 400 films across Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada cinema, has died at the age of 94. Janaki’s passing was confirmed after she had been receiving treatment for age‑related ailments. She was a familiar face to audiences in every South Indian film industry, earning accolades such as the Padma Shri and the Kalaimamani Award for her artistic contributions.
Born Sankaramanchi Janaki in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, she grew up in a Kannada‑speaking family. Before entering films, Janaki worked as a radio jockey at Akashvani Madras (now All India Radio). She made her screen debut in 1950 with the Telugu film “Shavukaru,” directed by L. V. Prasad, and entered Tamil cinema two years later with “Valayapathi.” Over the years she appeared in more than 3,000 stage plays, establishing herself as an accomplished theatre artist as well.
In Malayalam cinema, Janaki is especially remembered for her role as Mammootty’s mother in “Soorya Manasam,” a performance that earned her significant appreciation. Her versatility allowed her to navigate multiple regional film industries, making her one of the most recognizable faces in South Indian cinema.
Janaki married Sankaramanchi Srinivasa Rao in 1947 at a young age. Despite her responsibilities, she continued her education, sitting for her matriculation exams while pregnant and later graduating from Gauhati University in Assam. She is survived by her two daughters, Yagna Prabha Koty and Sachi Rao, and her son, Venkataramana Sankaramanchi.
