B. Saroja Devi, the veteran actress from South Indian cinema whose on-screen grace, linguistic versatility, and iconic collaborations defined an era, passed away on Monday at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was 87. As per reports, the actor had been battling age-related ailments for some time.
Over a career that spanned nearly six decades, Saroja Devi played lead roles across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi-language films. A dancer by training, she was introduced to cinema in the mid-1950s and soon became a fixture on silver screens across India. Her debut came with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955, but it was Nadodi Mannan (1958), opposite M.G. Ramachandran, that made her a household name in Tamil Nadu. Her radiant beauty, expressive eyes, and emotive range made her a favourite of both filmmakers and audiences.
Between the 1950s and 1980s, Saroja Devi appeared in over 160 films as a leading lady. Her roles in Puthiya Paravai, Anbe Vaa, Kalyana Parisu, and the Hindi-language Paigham are still fondly remembered.
Saroja Devi was honoured with some of India’s highest civilian awards including Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She was also the recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu, the Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from Karnataka, and the NTR National Award from Andhra Pradesh. Beyond cinema, she contributed to public life, serving on advisory boards such as the Karnataka Film Development Corporation and the National Film Awards jury.
In 1967, she married Sri Harsha, an engineering contractor, and the couple remained together until his passing in 1986. Gradually stepping away from leading roles in the 1980s, she appeared occasionally in character parts, her final screen appearance being a cameo in the 2019 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma.
Tributes poured in from across the country following the news of her death, with many remembering her not only as a screen legend but as a deeply warm, affectionate person. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, “Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality, B. Saroja Devi Ji. She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. Her works, spanning different languages and covering diverse themes highlighted her versatile nature. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Superstar Rajinikanth wrote on social media, “The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace.”
Kamal Haasan shared a deeply personal message, said, “Wherever she saw me – at any age of mine – with fingers pinching my cheeks, with a voice calling me ‘dear son,’ she was another mother to me, Saroja Devi Amma. An artist who lived beyond the boundaries of language and region. She has passed away. From the moments of the shooting of my second film Parthal Pasi Theerum to countless unforgettable memories that ripple through my heart. My eyes well up. A mother’s heart that always wished to see me as the foremost. I bow and bid farewell.”
B. Saroja Devi’s impact on Indian cinema is eternal. Her performances remain etched in the hearts of generations, and her legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
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