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1-2 of 2
- Actress
- Producer
Anjali Devi, a veteran actress and producer in Telugu and Tamil cinema, is widely recognized for her iconic portrayal of Sita in "Lava Kusha" and her remarkable roles in films like "Suvarna Sundari" and "Anarkali." In Hindi cinema, she left an indelible mark with performances in movies such as 'Devta,' where she starred opposite Gemini Ganeshan, 'Sati Savitri' alongside Mahipal, and 'Bhakta Prahlad.' The timeless songs picturized on her, including 'Tum gagan ke chandrama ho,' 'jeevan dor tumhi sang bandhi,' and 'kabhi to miloge, jeevan sathi' from 'Sati Savitri,' continue to enjoy popularity.
Born as Anjani Kumar in Peddapuram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India, she later settled in Chennai. Initially named Anjani Kumari during her theater days, director C. Pullaiah bestowed upon her the name Anjali Devi. Her journey in the film industry began with a minor role in "Raja Harishchandra" in 1936, followed by her debut as Mohini in "Gollabhama" in 1947, a film that propelled her to stardom. Her first venture as a heroine was in L. V. Prasad's 'Kashtajeevi,' though the film was abandoned after three reels.
Anjali Devi's cinematic career spanned over 350 Telugu films and a handful of Tamil and Kannada films. She married music director P. Adinarayana Rao in 1940, and together, they produced numerous Telugu films under the banner of Anjali Pictures. The iconic milestone in her career was the role of Sita in "Lava Kusha," the first color film in the Telugu industry in 1963.
Aside from her diverse roles as a damsel, angel, dancer, demon, goddess, and traditional woman, she gracefully transitioned into portraying motherly roles in later years. Anjali Devi's granddaughter, Saila Rao, also followed in her footsteps as an actress.
In 1955, she took on the role of a producer with the film "Anarkali," where she played the lead character opposite Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Salim. Over her career, she produced 27 films, including noteworthy ones like "Bhakta Tukaram" and "Chandipriya," featuring Bollywood and Tollywood actress Jayapradha.
Anjali Devi's illustrious career came to a close with films like "Brundavanam" (1992), "Anna Vadina" (1993), and "Police Alludu" (1994), where she shared the screen with Brahmanandam. Her impact on Indian cinema, spanning mythological roles to modern characters, remains a cherished legacy.- Actress
- Producer
Sowcar Janaki, born as Sankaramanchi Janaki, is a revered and iconic Indian actress with a career that spans over seven decades. she made her debut in the Telugu film industry at the age of 18 with "Shavukaru" in 1949, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey in the world of cinema.
Interestingly, Sowcar Janaki ventured into acting post-marriage, defying conventions and proving that it is never too late to pursue one's passion. Her versatile performances across various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and Malayalam, have left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
Sowcar Janaki rose to stardom between 1949 and 1975, portraying lead roles in numerous successful films. Collaborating with acclaimed directors like Dada Mirasee and K. Balachandar, she showcased her acting prowess and established herself as a powerhouse performer. Some of her notable works during this period include "Valayapathy," "Rojulu Marayi," "Naan Kanda Sorgam," "Pallum Pazhamum," "Puthiya Paravai," and "Iru Kodugal."
Beyond the silver screen, Sowcar Janaki actively engaged in stage performances, participating in over 300 shows. Her versatility extended to the radio, where she demonstrated her talents as a radio artist in her early years. Noteworthy milestones in her career include her Malayalam debut in "Schoolmaster" (1964) and her Hindi film, "Teen Bahuraniyan."
After 1975, Sowcar Janaki gracefully transitioned into supporting roles, earning widespread acclaim for her performances in films like "Cinema Paithiyam," "Thee," "Thillu Mullu," "Vetri Vizha," and "Kaanche." Her contributions were not limited to acting; she served as a jury member for the National Indian Films Awards committee and chaired the state Telugu Films Awards committee.
Janaki's dedication to the arts extended beyond the screen, as she actively participated in drama troupes, performing in live shows from 1960 to 1995. Her collaborations with co-star Sreekanth in both films and dramas added another dimension to her illustrious career.
Renowned for her enduring on-screen partnerships, Sowcar Janaki shared a special rapport with actors like Sreekanth, Gemini Ganeshan, and Shivaji Ganeshan, particularly cherishing her experiences with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. Her association with him was characterized by mutual admiration and collaborative efforts to enhance their performances.
In 2016, Sowcar Janaki emerged as the actress with the longest career span, surpassing many of her contemporaries. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, solidifying her place as a true icon in Indian cinema. Sowcar Janaki's unparalleled dedication and longevity in the industry stand as a testament to her remarkable contributions and influence in shaping the Indian film landscape.