Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi, fondly remembered as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” and “Kannadathu Paingili”, passed away at the age of 87, as reported by OneIndia. She was one of Indian cinema’s most loved and respected actresses, having acted in over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
A Star is Born
Saroja Devi started her acting journey at just 17 years old with the 1955 Kannada movie ‘Mahakavi Kalidasa’. She rose to fame in Tamil cinema with the blockbuster ‘Nadodi Mannan’ in 1958, where she starred alongside the legendary actor M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). The film’s success made her a household name across South India.
She soon became a popular actress not just in the South, but also in Bollywood, thanks to her graceful performances and powerful acting. She worked with many iconic actors including Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor.
Honoured for Her Contributions
Saroja Devi was honoured with several prestigious awards for her work in films:
- Padma Shri in 1969
- Padma Bhushan in 1992
- Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government
- Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University
She also served as the vice-president of the Kannada film association (Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha) and was chairperson of the jury at the 53rd National Film Awards, showing her deep involvement in shaping Indian cinema even off-screen.
Read more: Kota Srinivasa Rao, Icon of Telugu Cinema Passes Away at 83
An Unmatched Legacy
She was known as the female superstar of Kannada cinema. In Telugu films, she made her debut in ‘Panduranga Mahatyam’ in 1957. Uniquely, she is the only Indian actress to play the heroine in over 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984 — an incredible record.
Her most recent film appearance was in ‘Natasaarvabhowma’ in 2019, directed by Pavan Wadeyar.
A Remarkable Journey Comes to an End
With her passing, Indian cinema has lost a true legend. Saroja Devi’s legacy will live on through her unforgettable performances and her incredible contribution to the world of film.
