Veteran Actress, B. Saroja Devi Dies At 87, Fans And Industry Mourn First Female Kannada Superstar

Yet another tragedy hit the Indian film industry as the veteran Indian actress, B. Saroja Devi, who is one of the most celebrated stars of South Indian cinema, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru. She was 87 and had been suffering from age-related health issues, which resulted in her demise.

B. Saroja Devi was a celebrated figure in Indian cinema

Saroja Devi was fondly known as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi', which meant the Saraswathi of acting in Tamil, and 'Kannadathu Paingili', aka the Kannada Parrot. She was loved by fans across all ages for her grace, charm, and powerful screen presence and had acting credits in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.

B. Saroja Devi's early life 

B. Saroja Devi was born on January 7 1938, in a Vokkaliga family, Bangalore, Mysore State, which is now called Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her father, Bhairappa, was a police officer in Mysore, and her mother, Rudramma, was a homemaker. She was their fourth daughter, and it was her father who had encouraged her to learn dancing and take up acting as a career. 

In her younger days, Saroja Devi's father frequently accompanied her to studios, and it is reported that he would patiently tie on her salangais and massage her swollen feet after her dancing routines. Her mother was equally supportive of her career but gave her a strict dress code, which included no swimsuits and no sleeveless blouses, and Saroja Devi followed it for the rest of her career.

B. Saroja's acting career

Saroja Devi began her acting career at the age of just 17 with the 1955 Kannada film, Mahakavi Kalidasa, which became a major box office success. However, it was her role in the 1958 Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan, opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), that brought her nationwide fame. The film's immense popularity made her a household name and established her as a leading actress across the South Indian film industry.

She made her Telugu film debut with Panduranga Mahatyam in 1957, and there also, she became a favourite among Telugu film lovers. She also acted in several Hindi films, sharing the screen with Bollywood stars like Shammi Kapoor. Saroja Devi was the only Indian actress to play the heroine in over 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984, which remains an unmatched record in Indian cinema.

B. Saroja Devi's contributions to the industry went beyond acting 

Saroja Devi was not only a brilliant actress but also a dedicated contributor to the Indian film industry. She served as the vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and was appointed chairperson of the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards. These roles reflected perfcetly with her passion for cinema and her deep knowledge of the industry, which helped the future of the industry.

B. Saroja Devi will always be remembered as the female superstar of Kannada cinema

B. Saroja Devi has always been remembered and known as the first true female superstar of Kannada cinema. Her acting, graceful dance, and iconic expressions have inspired generations of artists and fans. Even after retiring from films, she remained an influential figure in the arts. Saroja Devi breathed her last in her home in Bengaluru, surrounded by her close family. Tributes from fans, colleagues, and industry people have been pouring in since the news of her demise broke. Her contribution to Indian cinema will continue to live on through her filmography.

May B. Saroja Devi, rest in peace. Our deepest condolences and homage go out to the legendary actress and her legacy.

Also Read: Veteran Actor, Kota Srinivasa Rao Passes Away At 83, All About His Family, Son's Death And More

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