Sowcar Janaki, who passed away at 94 on August 21, 2026, starred in some prominent Kannada movies in her illustrious career as a multilingual actor. Her long on-screen association with thespian Dr Rajkumar is one of the highlights of her remarkable film journey.

Janaki had featured in legendary filmmaker B R Panthulu’s Rathnagiriya Rahasya (1957), an adventure film starring Uday Kumar. She had, in fact, acted in Uday Kumar’s debut, Bhagyodaya (1956).

“Janaki’s English-speaking abilities stood out. She was also known for choosing progressive characters,” said film historian K Puttaswamy.

After debuting in Kannada with Devakannika (1953), Janaki essayed prominent characters in the 1960s and 70s. Panthulu’s School Master, an acclaimed social drama, is another noted Kannada work from Janaki.

Her next Kannada project was also a milestone movie. BS Ranga’s Mahishasura Mardini (1959) is considered the first major pan-Indian movie. The movie, starring Dr Rajkumar, Uday Kumar and Narasimharaju, was dubbed into seven languages following its immense popularity in Kannada.

Kanyarathna (1962), Saaku Magalu (1963), and Navakoti Narayana (1964) were other prominent Janaki-Rajkumar combination movies. In her second stint with Kannada cinema, Janaki excelled as a character artiste. She played Rajkumar’s mother in Thayige Thakka Maga (1978) and featured in Shankar Nag’s action movie Aarada Gaya (1980).

While she was part of the ensemble in Puneeth Rajkumar’s blockbuster Abhi (2003), Janaki once again essayed Rajkumar’s mother in the legendary actor’s final film, Shabdavedi (2000). Janaki’s final Kannada movie was Pungi Daasa (2013), starring comedian-turned-hero Komal Kumar, brother of noted actor Jaggesh.

Published - August 21, 2026 05:57 pm IST