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Veteran Actress Sowcar Janaki Dies at 94, Stars Pay Tribute
Sowcar Janaki was a famous actress in Indian cinema.
She died in Chennai at the age of 94.
Reports said she had been receiving hospital treatment for health problems related to old age.
Nassar, a film association leader and actor, confirmed her death.
Many actors and filmmakers shared messages remembering her.
Jr NTR said her characters would stay in people’s memories.
Kamal Haasan remembered working with her and called her an irreplaceable artist.
Janaki acted in more than 400 films and over 300 stage shows.
People are mourning the loss of an actress whose career lasted for more than seven decades.
Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki died in Chennai on Friday, August 21, 2026, aged 94, after age-related health complications.
Her family’s press note gave her time of death as 1:59 p.m., while other reports described it as around 2 p.m.
Nadigar Sangam president and actor Nassar confirmed her death and announced that her remains would be kept at Cenotaph Road from 5 p.m.
Jr NTR, Kamal Haasan, Radikaa Sarathkumar, Pawan Kalyan, Prabhudheva, Vishnu Manchu and others paid tribute.
Janaki worked across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema, appearing in more than 400 films and over 300 stage shows.
- Who
- Sowcar Janaki, a 94-year-old veteran actress, died; numerous South Indian film figures paid tribute.
- What
- Janaki’s death was confirmed after age-related health complications, prompting tributes from across the film industry.
- Where
- Chennai, including Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet, where one report said she was treated.
- When
- Friday, August 21, 2026; reports gave the time as 1:59 p.m. or around 2 p.m.
- Why
- Reports attributed her death to health complications associated with old age.
Key facts
- Age
- 94
- Date of death
- August 21, 2026
- Reported time
- 1:59 p.m. according to a family press note; other reports said around 2 p.m.
- Location
- Chennai
- Career
- More than seven decades
- Film appearances
- More than 400 films
- Stage appearances
- More than 300 stage shows
- Notable honour
- Padma Shri, conferred in 2022
Quotes
S. V. Krishna Reddy
Film director who recalled Janaki’s versatility and acting career.
“The news of the passing of Shaukaru Janaki Garu, who left her unique mark in Telugu and Indian cinema, has caused immense sorrow. Janaki Garu's cinematic journey and the characters she portrayed will forever remain in our memories. Praying for peace to her soul... My deepest condolences to the family members.”
indianexpress.com
freepressjournal.in
thehansindia.com
“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of #sowcarjanaki amma. A strong and independent,strong willed path breaker.Had the opportunity to know and work with her, a close friend of my dad #mrradha, they had great admiration for each http://other.RIP legend.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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