Legendary actress B. Saroja Devi, one of the most celebrated icons of South Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. Lovingly known as ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ and ‘Kannadathu Paingili’ (The Parrot of Kannada), her legacy spans more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
Saroja Devi made her film debut when she was just 17 with the Kannada classic Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. However, it was the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan in 1958, where she starred opposite M.G. Ramachandran, that gave her instant fame and she went on to become a household name.
She won several prestigious awards over the years. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She was also awarded the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University.
Beyond her work in films, Saroja Devi also remained actively involved in promoting cinema. She served as vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and headed the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards.
B. Saroja Devi childhood and personal life
Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, she was the fourth daughter of Bhairappa, a police officer, and Rudramma, a homemaker. In 1986, she lost her husband, Sri Harsha. Despite the tragedy, she maintained her poise and continued to guide emerging artists while advocating for creative initiatives in Indian cinema.
Saroja Devi career
Saroja Devi starred alongside industry stalwarts such as Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, and Dr. Rajkumar. Between 1955 and 1984, she featured as the lead in a record-setting 161 consecutive films, a feat unmatched in Indian film history.
B. Saroja Devi’s one of the most memorable onscreen duos was with M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). Together, they delivered 26 consecutive blockbusters, including Thaai Sollai Thathadhe, Kudumba Thalaivan, Needhi, and Dharmam Thalaikakkum. The chemistry between MGR and Saroja Devi remains one of the most iconic collaborations in the history of South Indian cinema.
Her collaborations with Sivaji Ganesan were equally legendary. The duo starred in 22 continuous box office hits, including Thangamalai Ragasiyam, Sabaash Meena, Engal Kudumbam Perisu, and Bhaaga Pirivinai.
In Telugu films, she featured opposite N.T. Rama Rao in movies such as Seetarama Kalyanam, Jagadeka Veeruni Katha, and Daagudu Moothalu, all of which were critical and commercial successes.
Saroja Devi also made her mark in Hindi cinema, appearing in well-received films like Paigham, Opera House, Sasural, and Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, her brilliance remains iconic and celebrated even today.