Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, Aug 21: Veteran actress and Padma Shri awardee Sowcar Janaki has been hospitalised at a private facility in Chennai following health complications and is currently undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The 94-year-old actress was admitted after experiencing health issues, with reports stating that she had been receiving medical care for around a week. Her condition reportedly deteriorated on Wednesday night, following which she was shifted to the ICU. Further official details about her health are awaited.
Sowcar Janaki is one of the most respected names in South Indian cinema, with a career spanning more than seven decades. Born on December 12, 1931, into a Kannada-speaking family, she has worked extensively in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada films.
She made her acting debut with the Telugu film Shavukaru, directed by L V Prasad. The film earned her the screen name ‘Sowcar’. She subsequently entered Tamil cinema with Valayapathi in 1952 and went on to establish herself as a prominent actress across multiple film industries.
Among her notable films are Iru Kodugal, Thuruneelakantar, Batasari, Pudhiya Paravai and the Kannada classic Mahishasura Mardini, in which she acted alongside legendary actor Dr Rajkumar.
Janaki has appeared in more than 400 films and has also been associated with over 300 stage performances. Her contribution to Indian cinema has earned her several honours, including the Nandi Awards and Kalaimamani. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 2022.
Her recent film appearances include the 2023 Telugu movie Anni Manchi Sakunamule, in which she played Rishi’s grandmother.
News of her hospitalisation has prompted fans and members of the film fraternity to express concern and wish the veteran actress a speedy recovery.