Veteran South Indian actress B Saroja Devi passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, on Monday. As per reports by news agency PTI, the legendary star had been battling age-related health issues in recent months.
Saroja Devi earned several affectionate titles during her illustrious career. In Tamil cinema, she was lovingly referred to as Kannadathu Paingili (the Parrot of Karnataka), while in the Kannada film industry, she was honoured with the title Abhinaya Saraswathi (the Saraswathi of acting).
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar expressed her grief over B Saroja Devi’s passing in a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing her condolences, Khushbu remembered the legendary actress, saying, “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 meeting her. And whenever in chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti. #SarojaDevi."
Saroja Devi, who entered the film industry at just 17, made a remarkable debut with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. Her powerful performance in the film earned her a National Award. Widely regarded as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, she quickly rose to prominence.
Saroja Devi’s rise to stardom in Tamil cinema was cemented with the 1958 blockbuster Nadodi Mannan, in which she starred alongside legendary actor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). The film’s massive success catapulted her to the top league of Tamil actresses. Even after her marriage in 1967, Saroja Devi remained a sought-after star, especially in Tamil films.
May her soul rest in peace!
