CHENNAI: Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki might be an octogenarian, but she certainly looks much more younger and fit. Draped in a designer sari, the actress addressed the audience at Savera hotel with such poise that it clearly left the younger women there impressed.
“I am open to challenges and will go to any extent to fulfill them. In fact, in Thillu Mullu, I was challenged to climb the pipes of a house. Accepting it, I accomplished the feat in a single take,” she recalled with pride.
The yesteryear veteran actress was the guest at a presentation on her life and acting career by Mohan Ram. The actress’ career is spread over six decades.
“Sowcar Janaki was a mother when she took up acting. At 15, the lady debuted alongside N T Rama Rao in Shavukar, a Telugu film, in 1950. From then, she essayed a wide variety of roles for over 65 years. And this tenure is the longest upto my knowledge, closely seconded by Dev Anand, “ he said.
Mohan went on to showcase various dimensions of the actress’ career with clippings from films. “Sowcar Janaki was popularly known for her sentimental roles and as the white-sari clad tear jerker. Not only did she excel at that but her role in the comedy Thillu Mullu and the regal and respectable roles she played in Kaaviya Thalaivi and Ethir Neechal and her anti-sentimental role in Pudhiya Paravai were some of her exceptional performances ” said Mohan.
The actress herself said that the best in her was brought out by actor Sivaji Ganesan who was open for improvisation.