Legendary actress B Saroja Devi passes away at 87

Indian cinema icon B. Saroja Devi, famed for nearly 200 films across four languages, passed away at 87. Celebrated as a pioneer and fashion icon, her legacy remains unmatched.

Hyderabad: Bangalore Saroja Devi, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated and enduring actresses, passed away on Monday, July 14, at the age of 87. Known for her iconic roles in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films, she starred in nearly 200 films over seven decades and was widely regarded as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema.

Born on January 7, 1938, Saroja Devi is fondly called “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (goddess Saraswathi of acting) or (goddess of acting) in Kannada and “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada’s Parrot) in Tamil, she was celebrated for her graceful performances and unmatched screen presence.

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Saroja Devi made her debut at just 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), and soon captured hearts with Nadodi Mannan (1985) pairing opposite Kollywood superstar MG Ramachandran (MGR). Since then she went on to become the beloved co-star for legends like Sivaji Ganesan, N T Rama Rao, MGR and Rajkumar, delivering countless box office hits. She holds a unique record as the only Indian actress to play lead roles in 161 consecutive films over 29 years.

Through the 1960s and 70s, she became a household name not just for her acting, but also for setting fashion trends with her saris, blouses, and hairstyles that soon became the style statement of the time.

A few of Saroja Devi’s Telugu films that continue to be cherished include Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (where she portrayed Mandodari), Manchi Chedu, Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (as Subhadra), Amarasilpi Jakanna, Shakuntala (1966) in which she played the title role, Pandanti Kapuram, and Daana Veera Soora Karna, among many other memorable performances.

Honoured with India’s Padma Shri in 1969 and Padma Bhushan in 1992, Saroja Devi also received numerous state and lifetime achievement awards, including the Kalaimamani, the NTR National Award, and the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award. She chaired the National Film Awards jury twice and remained an active voice for the film community and social causes in Karnataka.

Even in her later years, Saroja Devi continued to act, with notable roles in Tamil and Kannada films well into the 2000s, her last being Natasaarvabhowma (2019).

Her passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, but her impact as a beloved star will live on through her timeless films and the generations she inspired.