The Indian film fraternity mourns the loss of veteran Kannada actress B Saroja Devi, who passed away at the age of 87 on Monday morning at her residence in Bengaluru due to age-related ailments. Her demise marks the end of an era defined by timeless performances, cultural icons, and cross-language cinematic brilliance.
Born in 1937, B Saroja Devi was popularly known as ‘Abinaya Saraswathi’ for her unmatched expressions, grace, and dance. She rose to fame in the late 1950s and 60s, ruling Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema with her beauty, poise, and versatile acting. She worked alongside legends like Dr Rajkumar, MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, NTR, and Dilip Kumar, establishing herself as the leading lady across Indian cinema.
Her acting journey began with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) and she became a household name after Kalyana Parisu (1959) in Tamil. Saroja Devi went on to star in over 200 films in her five-decade career, creating records for maximum blockbusters with MGR in Tamil and Dr Rajkumar in Kannada. Her Bollywood innings with Sasural (1961) and Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963) earned her national recognition.
Celebrated Career: Awards And Recognition
Saroja Devi was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1992 for her contribution to Indian cinema. She received the Padma Shri earlier in 1969, becoming one of the youngest actresses to be honoured with this civilian award. She was conferred with the NTR National Award, Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu government, and the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from Karnataka government for her remarkable service to art and culture.
Her Influence Beyond Cinema
Apart from acting, Saroja Devi was actively involved in social causes, especially in promoting child education and women’s welfare. She remained connected to cinema through film committees and as a mentor to young artistes, guiding them with humility and grace. Known for her dignified persona, she stayed away from controversies, focusing on her family and cultural contributions post her retirement from films in the late 1980s.
Tributes Pour In
Leading political leaders, actors, directors, and fans across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have expressed grief. Karnataka Chief Minister expressed condolences stating, “The Kannada film industry loses its brightest star. Her presence transcended linguistic barriers and united hearts through art.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister called her passing an “irreparable loss to South Indian cinema.”
Actors Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Hema Malini paid tributes recalling her as an inspiration for discipline and perfection in performance. Social media is flooded with throwback clips of her dances, especially from Anbe Vaa, Enga Veettu Pillai, Sri Krishnadevaraya, and Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan.
Her Personal Life
Married to industrialist Sri Harsha, Saroja Devi had a supportive family who managed her career and life away from the limelight. After her husband’s death in 1986, she reduced film assignments but continued to engage with cultural institutions.
Short News Headline in content
Veteran Kannada actress Saroja Devi passes away at 87, leaving a legacy across Indian cinema.
Career Milestones
| Year | Film | Language | Co-star | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Mahakavi Kalidasa | Kannada | Rajkumar | Debut film |
| 1959 | Kalyana Parisu | Tamil | Gemini Ganesan | Breakthrough film |
| 1961 | Sasural | Hindi | Rajendra Kumar | Bollywood debut |
| 1964 | Sri Krishnadevaraya | Kannada | Rajkumar | National award-winning film |
| 1967 | Punyavathi | Telugu | NTR | Notable Telugu hit |
Industry Reflection
Film historians note that Saroja Devi’s versatility made her stand apart. Unlike contemporaries limited to language industries, she moved seamlessly between Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films with box office success in each. Her roles ranged from royal heroines, village belles, classical dancers to modern independent women, shaping the portrayal of women in Indian cinema through the decades.
The Last Goodbye
Her last rites will be conducted with full state honours in Bengaluru. Fans have gathered outside her residence to pay their final respects. Many Kannada and Tamil channels are telecasting her iconic movies as a tribute to the queen of elegance.
The End Of An Era
As the curtains fall on the life of B Saroja Devi, the Indian film industry loses a pillar who not only entertained but inspired millions with her art, grace, and commitment. Her legacy will continue through generations of artists, students, and audiences who will remember her for immortalising Indian womanhood in cinema.
Disclaimer: This news content is prepared for an English news portal based on available public information and tributes. It is not intended to hurt any sentiments. For verified official statements, readers are advised to refer to government or family announcements.
