‘Puthiya Paravai’ – Chitra & Sarasa: In this Sivaji Ganesan film, Sowcar Janaki didn’t just play one role. She played two! On one side, she was Gopal’s wife, Chitra. On the other, she was Sarasa, a lookalike. Audiences, who had mostly seen her in emotional family roles, were surprised to see her in this modern and complex character. Her look and acting in the song ‘Paartha Gnabagam Illaiyo’ are still iconic.
2. ‘Kaviyathalaivi’ – Devi & Krishna
Sowcar Janaki played a double role again in K. Balachander’s 1970 film, ‘Kaviyathalaivi’. She played both the mother, Devi, and her daughter, Krishna. The story connects the mother’s struggles with her daughter’s life. Janaki brilliantly showed different emotions for both characters. She has even mentioned this film was one of her personal favourites.