Janaki Sabesh
Indian actress
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Early life
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 Jayashri is her sister in law
Career
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.
Filmography
Tamil films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Minsara Kanavu | Sister Agnes | |
| 1998 | Jeans | Madhumitha's mother | |
| 1999 | Jodi | Guest appearance | |
| 2000 | Kushi | Jennifer's mother | |
| 2001 | Minnale | Rajiv Samuel's mother | |
| Poovellam Un Vasam | Chinna's mother | ||
| Shahjahan | Mahee's mother | ||
| 2002 | Run | Siva's mother | |
| 2003 | Boys | Renuka | |
| Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | Train passenger | ||
| 2004 | Ghilli | Velu's mother | |
| Vaanam Vasappadum | Poongkothai's mother | ||
| Aayutha Ezhuthu | Doctor's wife | ||
| 2006 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Janaki | |
| Vallavan | Vallavan's mother | ||
| 2008 | Dhaam Dhoom | Gautham's mother | |
| 2009 | Ayan | Kamalesh's aide | |
| Engal Aasan | Annalakshmi | ||
| 2010 | Singam | Kavya's mother | |
| 2011 | Nootrenbadhu | Annalakshmi | |
| 2012 | Billa II | David's sister | |
| 2013 | Singam 2 | Kavya's mother | |
| 2014 | Poojai | Divya's mother | |
| 2017 | Si3 | Kavya's mother | |
| 2022 | Achcham Madam Naanam Payirppu | Naidu Aunty | |
| 2023 | Let's Get Married | Meera's mother |
Other language films
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kushi | Geetha | Telugu |
| 2003 | Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu | Train passenger | |
| 2006 | Photographer | John's sister-in-law | Malayalam |
| 2007 | Shankar Dada Zindabad | Rajyalakshmi | Telugu |
| 2009 | Josh | ||
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | Snehalatha | |
| 2011 | 180 | Annapurna | |
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Black Sheep | YouTube | |
| 2025-present | Nadu Center | Thachi's mother | JioHotstar |
- Music video
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kaadhal Alaipayuthey | Sanjana's mother | [5] |