Veteran South Indian actress B Saroja Devi passed away on Monday at the age of 87 in Bengaluru. According to film industry sources and PTI, the legendary actress died of age-related ailments at her residence in Malleswaram.
Fondly known as Kannadathu Paingili (Parrot of Kannada) in Tamil and Abhinaya Saraswathi (Goddess of Expressions) in Kannada, Saroja Devi was a towering figure in Indian cinema, with a prolific career spanning over five decades.
Tributes Pour In
Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar expressed her grief on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi Amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in the South has ever enjoyed the fame she did. A lovable, adorable soul… My trips to Bengaluru were incomplete without meeting her. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti. #SarojaDevi”
Industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai remembered her legendary collaborations with M.G. Ramachandran, posting,
“In the golden era of South Indian cinema, she ruled! Who can forget the romantic MGR-Saroja Devi pairing in blockbusters like Enga Veetu Pillai and Anbe Vaa?”
A Trailblazing Career
Saroja Devi began her cinematic journey at just 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), a role that earned her a National Award and set the stage for a remarkable career.
Her 1958 Tamil debut opposite M.G. Ramachandran in Nadodi Mannan catapulted her to stardom and established her as one of Tamil cinema’s leading actresses. Despite marrying in 1967, Saroja Devi remained in demand well into the 1970s and beyond.
A Lasting Legacy
Fans and celebrities across the country paid tribute to the iconic actress. One fan wrote, “An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma’s passing. A true legend — loved, admired, and unforgettable.”
Another said, “RIP Legendary Actress #SarojaDevi mam. Such a beautiful soul. Deepest condolences to her family.”
B Saroja Devi’s contribution to Indian cinema—across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films—leaves behind a rich, unforgettable legacy.
