Veteran Actress Sowcar Janaki Dies at 94

Sowcar Janaki, one of the most respected actresses in South Indian cinema, died on Friday in Chennai at the age of 94.

She had been admitted to Kauvery Hospital in Alwarpet for a short period and passed away following health complications, according to a statement from the Nadigar Sangam.

Janaki made her debut in the early 1950s and went on to appear in more than 400 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. She was known for her restrained performances and her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from leading roles in the 1950s and 1960s to powerful supporting parts in later decades.

Colleagues and younger actors paid tribute to her discipline, longevity and contribution to the industry. She remained active well into her later years and was regarded as a link between the classical era of South Indian cinema and the contemporary industry.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family. The film community in Chennai and across the southern states is observing the loss of a figure whose career spanned more than seven decades.