Veteran Telugu and Tamil actress Sowcar Janaki has died at the age of 94 following a brief hospitalisation in Chennai. The veteran star, who built a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades, passed away on August 21, 2026, at 1:59 p.m., according to a statement from Nadigar Sangam president Nassar.
Janaki had recently been admitted to Kauvery Hospital in Chennai after falling ill due to age-related health complications. News of her hospitalisation was shared by actor Kayal Devaraj, while members of the South Indian Artistes’ Association also visited her in hospital.
Sowcar Janaki’s acting journey began out of necessity
Born Sankaramanchi Janaki in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, the actress was raised in a Kannada-speaking family. She developed a strong command of English from a young age, partly because her father encouraged her to read The Hindu aloud and listen to the BBC.
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