B Saroja Devi, Kannada cinema’s first female superstar, dies at 87.

 

B Saroja Devi, fondly known as "Abhinaya Saraswathi" (Goddess of Acting) in Kannada and "Kannadathu Paingili" (Kannada’s Parrot) in Tamil, was a towering figure in Indian cinema. Her grace, talent, and dedication made her a beloved icon across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. Her illustrious career, spanning over seven decades and nearly 200 films, was marked by triumphs and resilience. She passed away on July 14, 2025, at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, due to age-related ailments, leaving behind a monumental legacy. In this article, we explore her remarkable journey, the challenges she overcame, and the accolades she earned.

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Early Life and Entry into Cinema

Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, B Saroja Devi was the daughter of Bhairappa, a police officer, and Rudramma, a homemaker. Encouraged by her father to pursue dance and the arts, she developed a passion for performance early on. Despite initial resistance from her family, her talent led her to the silver screen.

At the age of 17, Saroja Devi made her debut in the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), which earned her a National Award and marked the start of an extraordinary career. This debut laid the foundation for her rise as Kannada cinema’s first female superstar.

Rise to Stardom

Saroja Devi’s breakthrough came with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan (1958), opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), with whom she formed a legendary on-screen pair, delivering 26 consecutive hits like Thaai Sollai Thathadhe and Enga Veettu Pillai. Her success in Tamil cinema opened doors to Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi industries, establishing her as a pan-Indian star.

She starred alongside icons like Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Dilip Kumar, captivating audiences with her graceful performances and unmatched screen presence. Her ability to connect with viewers across languages made her a household name.

Career Highlights and Classic Films

Over her seven-decade career, B Saroja Devi appeared in nearly 200 films across multiple languages. Some of her most memorable performances include:

• Kalyana Parisu (1959): A Tamil film showcasing her versatility and emotional depth.
• Sasural (1961): A Hindi film that solidified her presence in Bollywood.
• Anbe Vaa (1966): A Tamil romantic comedy that remains a classic.
• Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963): A Telugu mythological film highlighting her range as Subhadra.
• Kittur Chennamma (1961): A Kannada historical drama, remembered for her powerful portrayal.

Her ability to portray diverse characters, from mythological to modern roles, earned her widespread acclaim and a lasting place in cinematic history.

Overcoming Career Struggles

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Saroja Devi faced significant challenges in a male-dominated industry, where actresses had limited opportunities. She navigated intense scrutiny and competition, yet her resilience and dedication allowed her to thrive. After her marriage in 1967 to Sri Harsha, an engineer, she continued acting at the urging of stars like MGR and Dilip Kumar, defying norms that often ended actresses’ careers post-marriage.

Awards and Accolades

B Saroja Devi’s contributions to Indian cinema were honored with numerous awards, including:

• Padma Shri (1969): Recognizing her contributions to the arts.
• Padma Bhushan (1992): Solidifying her legacy as a cinematic legend.
• Filmfare Awards South: Multiple awards for her performances in Tamil and Kannada films.
• Kalaimamani, NTR National Award, and Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrating her extensive impact on Indian cinema.

These accolades reflect her status as one of India’s most celebrated actresses.

Legacy and Impact on Indian Cinema

As a pioneer, B Saroja Devi broke barriers for female actors, achieving pan-Indian success and inspiring generations. Her elegant style influenced fashion trends, blending modernity and modesty, and her performances in films like Babruvahana and Anna Thangi remain etched in memory. She set a precedent for actresses to work across regional industries, broadening their reach.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha in 1967, and they had an adopted daughter, Bhuvaneshwari, who tragically passed away young. After losing her husband in 1986, she founded charitable trusts in their memory, supporting education, health, and women’s welfare. Her philanthropy cemented her as a beloved figure beyond cinema.

Final Farewell

B Saroja Devi passed away on July 14, 2025, at her Malleswaram residence in Bengaluru due to age-related health issues, around 9 AM. Tributes poured in from across India, with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah calling her passing “deeply saddening” and an “irreparable loss” to Indian cinema. PM Narendra Modi described her as an “exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture,” while superstar Rajinikanth noted that she “won the hearts of millions.” Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and others also mourned her loss, reflecting her profound impact.

Conclusion

B Saroja Devi’s journey was a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion. Her contributions to Indian cinema, through nearly 200 films, countless awards, and a legacy of grace, continue to inspire. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her story remains a beacon of triumph and perseverance.

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As we reflect on B Saroja Devi’s remarkable life, her impact on Indian cinema endures, a reminder of the power of talent and determination to shape an industry and touch countless lives. Om Shanti.