Sowcar Janaki, one of South Indian cinema’s most enduring actors, died in Chennai on Friday at the age of 94. Her career spanned more than seven decades and nearly 400 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

For Kannada cinema, Janaki was a familiar presence from its early years. She made her Kannada debut with Devakannikaa in 1954 and went on to act in 27 Kannada films, according to Chiloka. Her filmography includes Bhagyachakra, Sadarame, Rathnagiri Rahasya, School Master, Mahishasura Mardini, Saaku Magalu, Navakoti Narayana, Thayige Thakka Maga, Shabdavedhi and Abhi.

Her association with Dr Rajkumar was an important part of that story. In Saaku Magalu (1963), Janaki was paired with Rajkumar as the female lead. Years later, she appeared with him again in Thayige Thakka Maga (1978), this time in a mother role. She was also part of Shabdavedhi (2000), Rajkumar’s final film.

In Saaku Magalu (1963), Janaki was paired with Rajkumar as the female lead. Years later, she appeared with him again in Thayige Thakka Maga (1978), this time in a mother role.

Janaki’s Kannada career covered several generations. She started out as a heroine and later took on character roles.

In Abhi (2003), she appeared with Puneeth Rajkumar and Ramya as the latter's grandmother's role.

It was a different generation from the one she had started with, but Janaki continued to be part of Kannada films.

Her last Kannada film was Pungidasa in 2014, six decades after her debut.