Remembering B. Saroja Devi: A Legend of Indian Cinema Passes Away at 87

A Heartfelt Farewell to a Cinematic Icon

Mumbai: The iconic South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, celebrated for her performances in various languages, has passed away at the age of 87 due to health complications related to aging.

Recent reports indicate that she was discovered unresponsive at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The news of her passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities alike, who are mourning the loss of this veteran actress. Social media platforms have been inundated with heartfelt messages honoring her significant contributions to Indian cinema and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

Rajinikanth expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "The legendary actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of countless fans, is no longer with us. May her soul find peace. #SarojaDevi."

Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar also shared her condolences on X, posting a monochrome image of Saroja Devi. She wrote, "An era of golden cinema has come to a close. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all time. No other female actor in the south has ever achieved the same level of fame. She was such a lovable and charming person. My visits to Bengaluru were never complete without seeing her. I will miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti #SarojaDevi."

Madhoo Shah, also known as Madhubala, took to Instagram to pay tribute to B. Saroja Devi, affectionately referred to as Kannadathu Paingili (Kannada’s parrot) in Tamil cinema. In her heartfelt message, she reflected, "Rest in peace, Saroja Devi Amma. Your beautiful face reminds me of my own mother, who had dreams of becoming an actress that were never realized. I am living out my mother’s dream as an artist, and today, I think of her and the desires she had, both fulfilled and unfulfilled. You were my mother’s idol and inspiration."

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Saroja Devi embarked on her cinematic journey at just 17 years old with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955, a role that earned her a National Award and marked the beginning of an illustrious career.

Recognized as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, she became a monumental figure in Indian film history, featuring in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.