Saroja Devi, Veteran South Indian actress lovingly nicknamed “Abhinaya Saraswathi” and “Kannadathu Paingili”, passed away peacefully at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, on 14 July 2025 at the age of 87, succumbing to age-related health issues.
Career Across Languages
- Debut at 17: She began her acting journey in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, earning instant acclaim.
- Pan‑Indian Icon: Over a seven-decade career, she appeared in over 200 films spanning Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — even acting in 161 consecutive lead roles over 29 years.
- Big Screen Collaborations: She shared the screen with legends like M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Dilip Kumar.
Honours & Legacy
- Awarded Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992) by the Government of India.
- Received Kalaimamani Award, honorary doctorate from Bangalore University, and served as jury head for the 53rd National Film Awards.
Tributes Pour In
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sadness, calling her an “exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture” .
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and actor Darshan Thoogudeepa also extended heartfelt condolences, honoring her contributions that shaped South Indian cinema.
Memorable Works
- Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) — her award-winning debut.
- Nadodi Mannan (1958, Tamil) with M.G. Ramachandran — established her pan-South fame.
- Kannada classics: Kittur Chennamma, Anna Thangi, Mallammana Pavaada — noted for powerful, impactful roles.
B. Saroja Devi wasn’t just an actress she was the iconic South Indian cinema’s first female superstar, a versatile talent who touched hearts across languages. As she leaves behind an unparalleled legacy and a cinematic treasure trove, the industry mourns the loss of a true legend.
