Sowcar Janaki last rites on Saturday; Chiranjeevi mourns iconic actress
Synopsis
Sowcar Janaki — Padma Shri awardee, 400-film veteran across four languages, and one of South Indian cinema's most enduring icons — passed away in Chennai on 21 August. Her last rites are set for Saturday at Besant Nagar Crematorium, as Chiranjeevi and the film fraternity mourn the loss of a performer whose seven-decade career defined an era.
Key Takeaways
Sowcar Janaki passed away on 21 August at 2:00 pm in Chennai due to age-related ailments.
Last rites will be held at Besant Nagar Crematorium on Saturday afternoon ; public homage from Saturday morning.
Born Sankaramanchi Janaki on 12 December 1931 , she acted in over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam over seven decades .
She is survived by three children , four grandchildren , and four great-grandchildren .
Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi paid tribute on X, calling her contributions to Indian cinema 'unforgettable.'
Padma Shri awardee and South Indian cinema legend Sowcar Janaki passed away on Friday, 21 August, at 2:00 pm in Chennai due to age-related ailments. Her last rites will be held at the Besant Nagar Crematorium on Saturday afternoon, with the public invited to pay homage from Saturday morning.
Final Farewell Arrangements
Aravind, the actress's grand son-in-law, confirmed to reporters that all family members had gathered at her residence in Chennai to pay their last respects. 'The public can pay homage from Saturday morning and we intend to perform the last rites by late afternoon,' he said. The veteran star's home has become a site of mourning as fans and well-wishers arrive to bid farewell.
A Seven-Decade Legacy Across Four Languages
Born Sankaramanchi Janaki on 12 December 1931, Sowcar Janaki built one of the most enduring careers in Indian cinema. She appeared in over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam over nearly seven decades. Her cinematic journey began with the Telugu film 'Shavukaru', and she went on to deliver exceptional performances in several cult classics, earning the Padma Shri — one of India's highest civilian honours — for her contributions to the arts.
She is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Chiranjeevi Pays Tribute on X
Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi expressed his grief on social media platform X, calling the news of her passing a cause of 'immense sorrow.' He highlighted her illustrious journey spanning nearly seven decades across multiple languages, noting that her natural acting had '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,' Chiranjeevi wrote, adding that he prayed for eternal peace for her soul and conveyed his 'deepest condolences' to her family and fans.
An Irreplaceable Voice in South Indian Cinema
Sowcar Janaki's passing marks the end of an era for South Indian cinema. Her ability to transition seamlessly across languages and genres over seven decades set her apart as one of the most versatile performers the industry has produced. Tributes from across the film fraternity are expected to continue pouring in ahead of Saturday's final rites.
Point of View
The arrival of colour film, and the rise of multiplex cinema. Her 400-film career across four languages at a time when such cross-regional mobility was rare speaks to a discipline and adaptability that contemporary stars rarely match. The tributes from Chiranjeevi and others are warranted, but mainstream coverage risks reducing her to a footnote in a genre-obituary. The more important question is whether Indian film archives and institutions have adequately preserved her body of work — because a legacy that lives only in memory eventually disappears.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are Sowcar Janaki's last rites being held?
Sowcar Janaki's last rites are scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai. The public can pay homage from Saturday morning, according to her grand son-in-law Aravind.
What was Sowcar Janaki's real name and when was she born?
Sowcar Janaki's original name was Sankaramanchi Janaki, and she was born on 12 December 1931. She adopted the screen name Sowcar Janaki over the course of her prolific film career.
How many films did Sowcar Janaki act in?
Sowcar Janaki appeared in over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema over a career spanning nearly seven decades. Her journey began with the Telugu film 'Shavukaru.'
What did Chiranjeevi say about Sowcar Janaki?
Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi posted a tribute on X calling her passing a cause of 'immense sorrow.' He praised her natural acting, her seven-decade journey across multiple languages, and said her contributions to Indian cinema 'will remain unforgettable.'
What awards did Sowcar Janaki receive?
Sowcar Janaki was honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts and Indian cinema.
