Sowcar Janaki Passes Away At 94 …In A Blaze Of Glory

The 1968 Tamil film Edhir Neechal (Swimming against the tide) starring Sowcar Janaki was talked about for long, after release. Director K Balachander had that magical creativity which could grip audience interest, even with the simplest of stories …middle class ethos and characters straight out of life. A simple theme was immortalised by Sowcar Janaki by her talent for emoting, comedy, drama and expressions …no director was needed for Janaki to live her roles. But the conversational song and drama, Aduthaathu Ambujam turned out to be an all-time hit, with Janaki comparing her budget driven life to her neighbour Ambujam’s lavish indulgence …Pattu Mami and Kittu Mama belting out the eternal middle-class conundrum…female aspirations and male practicality. Hero Srikant, a newbie (who worked at the U.S. Consulate) was not intimidated by Janaki’s talent, turned out to be an effective foil. Her very first film, L V Prasad’s Shavukaru got her the title ‘Sowcar’ …how appropriate Janaki had a commanding presence of the well-heeled. Till her end, Janaki who acted in over 400 films led an elegant life, dressed impeccably. It was K Balachander who cast her in all his classic entertainers …Neerkumizhi, Baama Vijayam, Iru Kodugal, Thillu Mullu, Kaviya Thalaivi.  In Pudiya Paravai an all-time iconic thriller of 1964, Janaki stood out in that formidable casting –Sivaji Ganesan, Saroja Devi and M R Radha. They don’t make films like these any more…Shahukars of the Janaki mould … rare.