In a world that often forgets its legends too quickly, the passing of veteran actress B Saroja Devi feels like the final scene of a timeless classic — one that defined Indian cinema across generations and languages. On Monday, the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, fondly remembered as ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ and ‘Kannadathu Paingili’, breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, at the age of 87. The cause of death was age-related health issues, reported IANS.
A legend born at 17
Saroja Devi’s story began like a film script — she was just 17 when she debuted in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, a role that not only launched her into stardom but also won her a National Award. Her striking screen presence, emotive expressions, and magnetic charm quickly made her a household name across the South.
By 1958, her stardom transcended regional boundaries with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan opposite M.G. Ramachandran, cementing her status as a pan-Indian actress. After her marriage in 1967, an act that traditionally ended many actresses’ careers in those days, Saroja Devi continued to rule the silver screen, especially in Tamil cinema.
More than 200 films, one unforgettable legacy
With a career spanning six decades, Saroja Devi starred in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, bringing to life unforgettable characters in both mythological and historical epics. Her performances in classics like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi are etched in the memory of millions of fans.
Known for her versatility, she was as comfortable in emotionally rich dramas as she was in politically resonant roles. Her poise, grace, and the sheer force of her performances earned her not only admiration from audiences but also several accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
A nation mourns
News of her passing triggered a flood of tributes from across the country. Political leaders joined in the chorus of grief. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tweet when translated to English read, “The news of the passing of senior Kannada actress B. Sarojadevi has caused deep sorrow. She had acted in approximately 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, earning fame as the goddess of acting.”
He added, “The moment Sarojadevi is mentioned, her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi come to mind. Her departure, having entertained audiences for decades through refined films, is a significant loss to Indian cinema. I pray that Sarojadevi’s soul finds peace. My condolences to her grieving family and fans.”
Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted, “The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace.”
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional message along with a black-and-white photo of the actress: “An era gold 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."
She added, "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.”
A legend born at 17
Saroja Devi’s story began like a film script — she was just 17 when she debuted in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, a role that not only launched her into stardom but also won her a National Award. Her striking screen presence, emotive expressions, and magnetic charm quickly made her a household name across the South.
By 1958, her stardom transcended regional boundaries with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan opposite M.G. Ramachandran, cementing her status as a pan-Indian actress. After her marriage in 1967, an act that traditionally ended many actresses’ careers in those days, Saroja Devi continued to rule the silver screen, especially in Tamil cinema.
More than 200 films, one unforgettable legacy
With a career spanning six decades, Saroja Devi starred in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, bringing to life unforgettable characters in both mythological and historical epics. Her performances in classics like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi are etched in the memory of millions of fans.
Known for her versatility, she was as comfortable in emotionally rich dramas as she was in politically resonant roles. Her poise, grace, and the sheer force of her performances earned her not only admiration from audiences but also several accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
A nation mourns
News of her passing triggered a flood of tributes from across the country. Political leaders joined in the chorus of grief. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tweet when translated to English read, “The news of the passing of senior Kannada actress B. Sarojadevi has caused deep sorrow. She had acted in approximately 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, earning fame as the goddess of acting.”
ಕನ್ನಡದ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಟಿ ಬಿ.ಸರೋಜಾದೇವಿ ಅವರ ನಿಧನವಾರ್ತೆ ನೋವುಂಟುಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗವು ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ತಮಿಳು, ತೆಲುಗು ಮತ್ತು ಹಿಂದಿಯ ಸುಮಾರು 200 ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿ, ಅಭಿನಯ ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಎಂದೇ ಖ್ಯಾತರಾಗಿದ್ದರು.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025
ಸರೋಜಾದೇವಿ ಎಂದಾಕ್ಷಣ ಕಿತ್ತೂರು ಚೆನ್ನಮ್ಮ, ಬಬ್ರುವಾಹನ, ಅಣ್ಣತಂಗಿ ಮುಂತಾದ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿನ ಅವರ ಮನೋಜ್ಞ ಅಭಿನಯ… pic.twitter.com/ZOVdrXGqlp
He added, “The moment Sarojadevi is mentioned, her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi come to mind. Her departure, having entertained audiences for decades through refined films, is a significant loss to Indian cinema. I pray that Sarojadevi’s soul finds peace. My condolences to her grieving family and fans.”
Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted, “The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace.”
பல கோடி ரசிகர்களின் மனம் கவர்ந்த மாபெரும் நடிகை சரோஜாதேவி இப்போது நம்முடன் இல்லை.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) July 14, 2025
அவருடைய ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும். 🙏🏻#SarojaDevi
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional message along with a black-and-white photo of the actress: “An era gold 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."
An era gold 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. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without… pic.twitter.com/gj8bQt0glq
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) July 14, 2025
She added, "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.”
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