Sowcar Janaki, a doyenne in South Indian cinema turned 75 not so long ago. Leading a relaxed and retired life in a Bangalore suburb where she shifted recently, far from all the hustle and bustle of the metropolis to live in the proximity of Sathya Sai Baba's ashram whose devotee she is, Sowcar Janaki still retains the charm and grace that characterised her performances that lit up the silver screen for decades on end.

The veteran actress who earned the sobriquet ‘Sowcar’, the name of a character that she essayed in a Telugu film, was never a part of the rat race in Tamil cinema but was always the first choice of directors in need of an actor to play strong roles packed with histrionic content.

She established a strong rapport with the ace director K Balachander, popularly known as KB, acted in his stage plays and later when KB ventured to the big screen, followed suit and chalked up some memorable performances in diverse roles in such hits like Edhir Neechal, Naanal, Neerkumizhi, Bama Vijayam and Thillu Mullu.

 One of the characters that won her a lot of acclaim was the role of ‘Collector Janaki’ that she essayed in Balachander’s Iru Kodugal, a drama revolving around marital conflict where she shared screen space with Gemini Ganesan and Kannada actress Jayanthi.

Earlier she had made waves marching strides with matinee idols Sivaji Ganesan and MGR in Pudhiya Paravai and Oli Vilakku respectively.

Perhaps Sowcar's most memorable performance came in a double role that she played in the film Kaviya Thalaivi that had fiery dialogues, emotion laden scenes and a stunning climax.

That she could breeze through such meaty roles with the greatest of ease was the hallmark of the actress who, right through her long career was an industry favourite renowned for her versatility and range.

In a tribute to her on reaching platinum, Balachander has eulogised her for her incredible range and for the enthralling performances in all her films.

As he avers, Sowcar Janaki is certainly a wonderfully spiritual, genuine, generous and a warm-hearted human being. One of the few remaining stars who held the banner of the old school of acting aloft always, Sowcar Janaki is still game for acting provided the roles are good enough.

 Doubtless anyone who signs her up can be assured of a powerhouse performance, something that she unfailingly delivered in hundreds of films in all the South Indian languages.