Veteran actor B. Saroj Devi, known for his work in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu cinema, breathed his last at the age of 87 on Monday (14 July). The actor was allegedly suffering from age -related disease.
An actor, who acted in several memorable films with experienced southern Indian superstars like MG Ramachandran, Shivaji Ganesan, and NT Ram Rao, Saroja Devi also shared screen space with Hindi stars like Dilip Kumar (((Pagham1959), Rajendra Kumar (Father -in -law1961) and Sunil Dutt (Betty bet1964). The news about his death has sent Shockwaves to Indian cinema, taking reactions from the film fraternity and members of fans.
Paying tribute to the late actor, superstar Rajinikanth wrote on his X handle, “The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. His soul can rest in peace.”
Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep, in his heartfelt tribute, called her the ‘goddess of acting’, who is “like a parijata flower, living a full life with his fragrance and has now left us.”
In her tribute to Saroja Devi, the popular music composer, comedian and president of Karnataka Chalnachitra Academy Sadhu Kokila said that this is an irreparable loss, “not only Kannada but also for the entire Indian film industry.”
Tamil actor-Rajneeta’s Khushbu Sundar wrote on X, “#Sarojadevi Amma was the greatest in all times. No other female actor in the south has ever enjoyed the name and fame. She was such a lovely adorable soul. She was a great synergy with her.
Actor Prabhuhewa said that Saroja’s grace and heritage will be eternal.
Meanwhile, Tamil actor Simran said that “Saroja Devi’s legacy in Indian cinema will be eternal,” saying that she feels blessed to share the screen with the actor at once in 1997, which also featured Shivaji Ganesan.
Gautami Tadimalla called Saroja an icon, which was followed by generations of aspiring actresses for his grace, glamor, performance and attraction. “His poetry, beauty and sparkling personality thrilled the audience and created a legari, which came to write as a pioneering actresses.
Saroj Devi (1938-2025) | In pictures
Rajkumar and B. Saroja Devi film Srinivas Kalyan
B. ‘Amara Shilpi Jakkan’ in Saroj Devi Telugu and Kannada versions.
Shivaji Ganasan and Saroj Devi in ‘Pudia Parvai’. He associated with Shivaji Ganesan in 22 films.
MG Ramachandran and Saroja Devi in ‘Ambe via’. In ‘Nadodi Mannan’, making a mark with MGR, he acted with the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in 26 films.
Rajendra Kumar and Saroja Devi in ‘Sasural’. He signed up for Hindi films with Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt and also with Shammi Kapoor.
Saroj Devi remained one of the most paid actresses in Kannada and Telugu films. He was cast with NT Ram Rao in films like Bhagichakrakram (1968), Uma Chandi Gowri Shankarula Katha (1968), Vijayam Manade (1970), Mayani Mamath (1970), Shakantala and Dana Veera Sora Karna (1979).
B. Saroj Devi was awarded the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. He was also awarded Kalammani by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
After her marriage in 1967, Saroj Devi’s career in Tamil cinema gradually declined, although she was active in Kannada films. Despite acting against the late MGR in 22 films, his last film was with him in 1967.
In this picture of 1957, B. Saroj Devi is seen with SV Ranga Rao. She also dominated the Telugu film industry acting with NT Ram Rao and Akineni Naj Ess Paddy Rao.
Saroj Devi was the only Indian actress to play the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films in 29 years between 1955 and 1984.
In 1961, B. Saroj Devi is seen with Shri Radha. In the film, ‘Thai Solai Thache’. His participation in Tamil films is also ‘Palam Pazamam’ (1961), ‘Wazhakai Wazhawatharke’ (1964), ‘Alaiyamani’ (1962), ‘Peria Idthu Pen’ (1963), ‘Putia Parvai’ (1964), ‘1964) (1964) (1964), Va’ (1966).
In the 1960s, Saroj Devi became a fashion icon among the South Indian women, who mimicked her saris, blouses, jewelery, hairstyles and methods. In particular, Ang Vetu Pillai of Tamil films (1965) and ‘Anbe Via’ (1966) were widely popular in their sarees and jewelery magazines.
Shivaji Ganesan and B. in the Tamil film ‘Paulum Pazamam’. Saroj Devi. Saroj Devi continued to act in Tamil films in front of Shivaji Ganesan after her marriage: ‘N Thambi’ (1968), ‘Anabalipu’ (1969), ‘Anjal Petty 520’ (1969), ‘Arunodayam’ (1971), ‘Tabam Palam’ (1971) (1993),
In her long career, Saroja Devi mainly opted for romantic films in only the 1960s and later emotional and socially relevant from the late 1960s to the late 1980s.
Twice in 1998 and 2005, Saroja Devi presided over the film Juris – 45th National Film Award and 53rd National Film Award. He served as the vice -president of the Kannada Chalnachitra Sangh, and as a member of the local advisory committee of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
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Actor Karthi wrote in his tribute, “acted with all the leading heroes and as a heroine in more than 200 films, guiding the generations of women through her art, discipline and dedication.”
Published – July 14, 2025 11:56 AM IST
