Janaki Sabesh
Janaki Sabesh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | |
| Occupations | 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. Throughout her film career, she has played the "screen mother" to several leading actors, appearing predominantly Tamil and Telugu films.
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. 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. She part of some of the most celebrated storylines such as Minsara Kanavu (1997), Jeans (1998), Ghilli (2004) and Singam (2010).
She also modelled for some of the leading brands like Cadburys, Pepsodent, KFJ, NAC Jewellers, Chakra Gold Tea, and Jansons Dhoti during these years. She has also appeared in a web series titled Black Sheep (2016) 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 has authored a children’s storybook—The Jungle Storytelling Festival—an original creative narration, published by Tulika Publishers. Her 2nd picture book Paati's Rasam (co-authored with Dhwani Sabesh) won the Best Children's Book Award at Jarul 2023.
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 | Priyamvada | |
| 2010 | Maro Charitra | Snehalatha | |
| 2011 | 180 | Annapurna | |
Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Black Sheep | Mom | YouTube |
| 2025 | Nadu Center | Thachi's mother | JioHotstar |
- Music video
| Year | Film | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Kaadhal Alaipayuthey | Sanjana's mother | |
References
- ↑ "From 'Ghilli' amma to children's writer, meet Janaki Sabesh in her new avatar". 15 August 2018.
- ↑ Deepa Venkatraman (15 June 2013). "It's all in the mind". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 June 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- 1 2 Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (24 May 2010). "Exuding positivity". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 September 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ↑ "India's Rajiv - Credits (1:01:20)". Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "My Journey "A story told from the heart will always win more hearts"". Janaki Sabesh.
- ↑ "When From 'Ghilli' amma to children's writer, meet Janaki Sabesh in her new avatar". The News Minute. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ↑ "'Paati's Rasam' is about a lost recipe to remember". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ↑ "5 Reasons Why Your Little One Needs to Read Paati's Rasam". Neev Literature Festival. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ↑ "Kaadhal Alaipayuthey | Amrit Ramnath | Sanjana K | Pranav Radee | Official Music Video". 22 November 2024 – via YouTube.