Bengaluru, 14 July: At the age of 87, legendary South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi died on Monday at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. The actress passed away as a result of age-related health problems, according to news agency PTI reported.
Honored with the the name "Abhinaya Saraswathi" (Goddess of Expression) in Kannada cinema and lovingly known as "Kannadathu Paingili" (The Parrot of Karnataka) in Tamil, she is well recognized for her grace and expressive performance. An era in Indian cinema history comes to an end with her demise.
About B. Saroja Devi: A Trailblazing Icon of South Indian Cinema
B. Saroja Devi began her illustrious film journey at the young age of 17 with the Kannada classic Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), a role that not only launched her career but also earned her a National Award. She is widely regarded as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, a title well-earned through her powerful performances and lasting impact.
Her rise to pan-South Indian fame was cemented with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan (1958), where she starred opposite legendary actor and Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). The film catapulted her into stardom and established her as one of the most sought-after actresses of Tamil cinema.
Even after her marriage in 1967, Saroja Devi continued to shine on screen, particularly in the Tamil film industry, where she remained a beloved figure for years.
Indian Cinema's Unrivaled Legacy
B. Saroja Devi has a special place in Indian cinema history. She was the only Indian actress to play the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984, which is an amazing 29-year run. This accomplishment, which is still unrivaled, demonstrates her broad appeal and multilingualism.
Milestones of her Legendary Journey
In National Civilian Awards
Padma Shri (1969) – India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded for her contribution to the arts.
Padma Bhushan (1992) – The third-highest civilian award, recognizing her distinguished service in Indian cinema.
Academic & Cultural Recognitions
Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University for her contribution to Indian arts and culture.
Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu, one of the state's highest honours for excellence in the field of art.
Lifetime Achievement
Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) – Honouring her enduring impact on Indian cinema and decades of dedication to the industry.
Reactions from the Entertainment Industry and Beyond
Following the news of her passing, fans and film industry personalities flooded social media with tributes.
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar mourned her death in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). She wrote, “An era gold golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times . No other female actor in the south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her. Such a lovable adorable soul she was. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without meeting her. And whenever in chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti. #SarojaDevi.”
Fans and celebrities took to social media to pay their respects. Industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai wrote of her legacy, “#SarojaDevi (87) the yesteryear popular actress passed away in Bengaluru. In the golden era of south Indian cinema she ruled! Who can forget the romantic MGR-Saroja Devi pairing in blockbusters like Enga Veetu Pillai, Anbe Vaa etc?”