Janaki Sabesh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 23 September 1974 |
| Occupation(s) | Storyteller, Author, Actress |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Children | 1 |
Janaki Sabesh is an Indian media professional, actor, model, storyteller, author of children's book, theatre and voiceover artist. [1] Throughout her film career, she has played the "screen mother" to several leading actors, [2] appearing predominantly in Tamil and Telugu movies.
Janaki was born in Bangalore. She did her initial schooling in Carmel School, Kolkata and then from DTEA Senior Secondary School, New Delhi. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi and a master's degree in mass communication from Jamia Millia, Delhi. [3] and Bombay Jayshree is her sister in law
In 1991, Janaki Sabesh assisted Simi Garewal with her documentary on Rajiv Gandhi called India's Rajiv. [3] [4] She made her professional acting debut in the movie Minsara Kanavu starring Kajol and Arvind Swamy, in which she played a nun. She later went on to act in Shankar's magnum opus Jeans , where she played Aishwarya Rai's mother. Since then, she has acted in over 25 movies, including the blockbuster hits Minnale and Ghilli , often playing the role of a mother.
She has modelled for leading brands like Cadburys, Pepsodent, KFJ, NAC jewellers, Chakra Gold Tea, Jansons Dhoti to name a few. She has also appeared in a web series titled Black Sheep on the YouTube channel of Stray Factory, Rascalas.Janaki's work as a theatre artist includes plays with Chennai-based theatre groups, Crea- Shakti & Madras Players.Janaki Sabesh's engagement with children began when she produced an audio cassette “The Learning Train” (1995) that simplified the world of numbers through story and songs.
She also runs her own storytelling initiative, Golpo - Tales Unlimited. The word Golpo in Bengali means "story". Her sessions are an interactive mix of narration, music and movement. She also conducts workshops for parents, teachers and students which centre on motivation and the productive uses of storytelling.
Janaki Sabesh turned an author in 2018 with her first picture book, "The Jungle Storytelling Festival" published by Tulika in 9 languages. Her 2nd picture book Paati's Rasam (co-authored with Dhwani Sabesh) won the Best Children's Book Award at Jarul 2023, also shortlisted (top 3) at the Neev Book Awards 2022.
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Minsara Kanavu | Sister Agnes | Tamil |
| 1998 | Jeans | Madhumitha's mother | Tamil |
| 1999 | Jodi | Guest appearance | Tamil |
| 2000 | Kushi | Jennifer's mother | Tamil |
| 2001 | Kushi | Siddhartha Roy/Siddu's mother | Telugu |
| Minnale | Rajiv Samuel's mother | Tamil | |
| Poovellam Un Vasam | Chinna's mother | Tamil | |
| 2001 | Shah Jahan | Mahee's mother | Tamil |
| 2002 | Run | Siva's mother | Tamil |
| 2003 | Boys | Renuka | Tamil |
| Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | Train passenger | Tamil | |
| Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu | Telugu | ||
| 2004 | Ghilli | Saravanavelu's mother | Tamil |
| Vaanam Vasappadum | Poongkothai's mother | Tamil | |
| Aayutha Ezhuthu | Doctor's wife | Tamil | |
| 2006 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Janaki | Tamil |
| Vallavan | Vallavan's mother | Tamil | |
| Photographer | John's sister-in-law | Malayalam | |
| 2007 | Shankar Dada Zindabad | Sandhya's mother | Telugu |
| 2008 | Dhaam Dhoom | Gautham's mother | Tamil |
| 2009 | Ayan | Kamalesh's aide | Tamil |
| 2010 | Singam | Kavya's mother | Tamil |
| Maro Charitra | Balu's mother | Telugu | |
| 2011 | Nootrenbadhu | Annalakshmi | Tamil |
| 180 | Annapurna | Telugu | |
| 2012 | Billa II | David's sister | Tamil |
| 2013 | Singam 2 | Kavya's mother | Tamil |
| 2014 | Poojai | Divya's mother | Tamil |
| 2017 | Si3 | Kavya's mother | Tamil |
| 2022 | Achcham Madam Naanam Payirppu | Naidu Aunty | Tamil |
| 2023 | Let's Get Married | Meera's mother | Tamil |
Minsara Kanavu is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language musical romantic comedy film that was co-written and directed by Rajiv Menon. The film stars Arvind Swamy, Prabhu Deva, and Kajol in her Tamil debut, and revolves around Priya (Kajol), a convent student who wants to become a nun. Having returned to India from his studies overseas, Thomas (Swamy)—Priya's childhood friend—falls in love with her following their first meeting at her convent. With the help of hairstylist Deva, who is known for his ability to change woman's minds, Thomas tries to dissuade Priya from her ambition but Deva instead falls in love with her.
In Hindu mythology, Rohinilit. '"ascending"' is the first consort of Vasudeva, the sister of Yashoda, and the mother of the Hindu deities Balarama and Subhadra. She plays a prominent role in the upbringing of Krishna.
Vaikom Narayani Janaki, also known as Janaki Ramachandran, was an Indian politician, actress and activist who served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for 23 days after the death of her husband M. G. Ramachandran, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu. She was the first woman to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. She was also the first actress to become the chief minister in the history of India.
Minnale (transl. Lightning) is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language romance film directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon in his directoral debut. The story was written by Menon and Vipul D. Shah, starring Madhavan, Abbas, Reema Sen, Vivek and Nagesh. The film tells the story of a love-struck man, stealing the identity of his former college foe, to pursue his lady love, and the eventual repercussions he has to face when his cover is blown before he could come clean. The film's original soundtrack composed by debutant music composer Harris Jayaraj, became popular prior to the film's release. The cinematography of the film was handled by R. D. Rajasekhar and it was edited by Suresh Urs. Reema Sen made her Tamil debut through this film.
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