Janaki Biography

Sankaramanchi Janaki (b. December 12, 1931) popularly known as Shaukar Janaki (Telugu , Tamil) is a south-Indian actress who has acted in over 385 Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam films. Janaki also performed on stage in over 300 shows, and performed for TANA all over the United States in 2 Telugu plays created by actor Murali Mohan. At age 11, she was a radio artist in Telugu programs. Janaki started her acting career when she had a three month old baby and went on to become a popular actress with hits such as Sowcar (Telugu), Pudhiya Paravai (Tamil), Iru Kodugal (Tamil). Janaki also played lead roles with famous directors such as Dada Mirasee, K Balachandar. Janaki is the elder daughter of T. Venkoji Rao (paper technologist (England)) and Sachi Devi. Janaki completed matriculation from Gauhati University in Assam and has received honorary Doctorate from University of Arizona.

Shaukar Janaki served as Jury member for the National Indian Films awards committee and as chair person for State Telugu Films awards committee. Janaki has two daughters and a son, four grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Janaki son and second daughter have been living in the US for more than 25 years. Janaki loves gardening, cooking and helping the needy in her own humble way.

First movie in Telugu: "Shavukar" by Vijaya productions. Played the leading role paired with Sri NT Rama Rao

Acted as heroine with A Nageswara Rao, NTR, Jaggaiah, Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, Gemini Ganesan and many others.

Acted in 10 Kannada films opposite Dr Raj Kumar. Actress Vaishnavi is her grand daughter. Janaki's also a fabulous actress[malayalam films mrugaya.aham. mackal mahathmyam

State and Film Fare and Film Fans awards for best actress category.

Honored with Kalai Maa Mani title as MGR award by Tamil Nadu government

By K. Balachandar (Tamil): Irukoduga, Edir Neechal, Baama Vijayam, Thillu mullu.

Tamil films with Sivaji Ganesan: Pudaya Paravai, Uyarnda Manidan, Pachai vilakku, Paarthal pasi therum , Motor sundaram pillai, Paar magale paar.

Tamil film with MGR: Oli Vilakku Telugu films with ANR: Dr. Chakravarthi, Manchi Manasulu, Rojulu Marayi

Kannada films: Mahi Sha Sura Mardine, Saaku Magalu, Sathi Shakthi, Thayige Thakka Maga, Shabda Vedi (with Dr Raj Kumar)