Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi, one of the most celebrated icons of Indian cinema, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was 87 and had been battling age-related ailments in recent months
Fondly known as "Abhinaya Saraswathi" (Saraswathi of expressions) in Kannada and "Kannadathu Paingili" (Kannada’s Parrot) in Tamil, B. Saroja Devi was a towering figure in South Indian cinema. Her illustrious career spanned over seven decades, during which she acted in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Saroja Devi entered the film industry at the age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). Her rise to stardom was cemented with the Tamil classic Nadodi Mannan (1958), which made her a household name across South India.
B. Saroja Devi's Career
B. Saroja Devi enjoyed a legendary career spanning over four decades, establishing herself as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and versatile actresses. She made her acting debut in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada.
Her breakthrough came in Tamil cinema with Nadodi Mannan (1958), opposite M.G. Ramachandran, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after heroines across South India. She went on to star in over 200 films in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
Her Hindi debut was in Paigham (1959) alongside Dilip Kumar, after which she appeared in numerous Bollywood films, further cementing her pan-Indian appeal.
Saroja Devi was widely known for her beauty, graceful screen presence, and ability to portray both glamorous and dramatic roles with equal ease. She was often cast opposite leading men like M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Dr. Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor, contributing to some of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters during the 1950s through the 1970s.
Her unmatched feat of playing the female lead in 161 consecutive films is a testament to her dominance in the industry. Even as her career transitioned in the 1980s and beyond, she continued to take on character roles and remained active in public life, serving on various national film committees.
For her immense contribution, she received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri (1969), Padma Bhushan (1992), and several state and lifetime achievement awards, making her one of the most decorated actresses in Indian cinema history.
Tributes Pour In
The news of her passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans, celebrities, and political leaders.
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar expressed her condolences, stating, "An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in South has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her. Such a lovable, adorable soul she was... Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti"
Actor Rajinikanth
A Sharadhaa
Actor VijaySethupathi
Dr Ishari K Ganesh
Vikram Prabhu
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. All biographical details, tributes, and career highlights are based on publicly available sources and media reports as of July 14, 2025. Quotes from public figures and social media references are attributed to their original sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify specific claims through official statements or archives.
