The truth that Sowcar Janaki says: ‘If a biopic of politicians is made, it will stink

Sowcar Janaki is a veteran actress in Tamil cinema. She was born in 1931 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. She has acted in over 300 South Indian films, both as a heroine and in pivotal roles. She has appeared on screen with stars like A. Nageswara Rao, N. T. Rama Rao, Jaggayya, M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, and Gemini Ganesan.

Her films Uyarndha Ullam, Padikkadha Medhai, Irukodugal, Neerkumizhi, Edhir Neechal, and Thillu Mullu are forever cherished by fans. She has received numerous film awards and is a distinguished actress.

In an interview with Y. G. Mahendran, actress Sowcar Janaki stated, ‘It is not true that Savitri’s life was ruined because of Gemini Ganesan. The biopic on Savitri was made entirely with a negative portrayal. If a biopic of politicians is made, it will stink.’

Additionally, in that interview, she spoke further:

‘At times, I have struggled even for food. There were times when I didn’t have money to buy milk for my children. Once, I fainted on the shooting spot due to hunger. I’ve gone through many hardships.

I do not agree with making a biopic of my life. Why should we focus only on the negative aspects and demean a great actress like Savitri? There’s nothing worth making a biopic of about me.

They asked me to watch Savitri’s biopic, but I didn’t want to. I know Savitri well. She came to the cinema after me. The film does not show the truth. Why should they use Savitri’s life to make money?

It is not true that Savitri’s life got ruined because of Gemini. Gemini is a gentleman.

M. R. Radha was a peculiar man. His voice and expressions used to scare me, but he was a great actor. During the shooting of Nalla Idathu Sambandham, a glass cut my leg and blood was flowing. M. R. Radha, who was sitting far away, saw it, immediately got up, asked someone to bring the first-aid box, and personally cleaned my wound.

This whole #MeToo thing is very disturbing. Certain things should remain hidden for life to go smoothly. It’s not right to come out in public and speak about incidents, whether they happened long ago or seemed to happen. I am a feminist, but I cannot accept this #MeToo movement.

I have delivered dialogues written by Kalaignar (M. Karunanidhi), and he never failed to praise me.

I acted in Oli Vilakku with both MGR and Jayalalithaa. After the shooting ended, MGR looked at me and said, ‘You are a cultured actress, madam.’

She spoke about many other interesting things as well.