Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki dies; Telangana CM, Chiranjeevi pay tributes

Veteran actress Sankaramanchi Janaki, fondly known as ‘Sowcar’ Janaki, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. A Padma Shri recipient, she had an illustrious career spanning nearly seven decades across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam cinema.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief over her demise. In his condolence message, he recalled that Janaki began her career in childhood, performing various roles in plays. He specifically mentioned her path-breaking performance in the film ‘Shavukaru’, which earned her the moniker ‘Sowcar’ Janaki. The Chief Minister said that the void left by her in the film industry is irreplaceable and conveyed his deepest sympathies to her family members and fans.

Prominent Telugu actor Konidela Chiranjeevi also condoled her death. In a post on X, he said that with her natural acting, she breathed life into diverse roles and earned an indelible place in the hearts of audiences. “She was a great actress whose contributions to the Indian film industry will remain unforgettable,” he added.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud also mourned her loss. He recalled her significant contributions to Telugu cinema and said her films left an indelible mark on Telugu families across generations.

Sowcar Janaki was known for her versatility and effortless portrayal of a wide range of characters, from matriarchs to comedic roles. Her career was marked by a deep commitment to her craft, making her a respected figure among peers and a beloved personality for audiences. Her demise is a significant loss to the Indian film fraternity.

As tributes pour in from across the political and cinematic spectrum, her body of work remains a testament to her talent and dedication. She will be remembered not only for her memorable performances but also for the warmth and grace she brought to the screen.