Saroja Devi passes away: Film fraternity mourns the loss of legendary actor

The veteran actor passed away in Bengaluru on Monday after reportedly suffering from age-related illness

Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, known for her work in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu cinema, breathed her last at the age of 87 on Monday (July 14). The actor was reportedly suffering from age-related illness.

An actor who starred in many memorable films alongside veteran southern Indian superstars such as MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and NT Rama Rao, Saroja Devi also shared screen space with Hindi stars such as Dilip Kumar (Paigham, 1959), Rajendra Kumar (Sasural, 1961) and Sunil Dutt (Beti Bete, 1964). The news about her death has sent shockwaves across Indian cinema, drawing reactions from members of the film fraternity and 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. May her soul rest in peace.”

Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep, in his heartfelt tribute, called her a ‘Goddess of Acting’ who “like a parijata flower, she has lived a full life with her fragrance and has now departed from us.”

Sadhu Kokila, popular music composer, comedian and president of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, in his tribute to Saroja Devi, said that this is an irreparable loss, “not only to Kannada but to the entire Indian film industry.”

Tamil actor-politician Khushbu Sundar wrote on X, “#SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her. Such a lovable adorable soul she was. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without meeting her. And whenever in chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. (sic)“

Actor Prabhudheva said Saroja’s grace and legacy will remain eternal.

Tamil actor Simran, meanwhile, said that “the legacy of Saroja Devi in Indian cinema will remain eternal,” adding that she feels blessed to have shared the screen with the actor in 1997’s Once More, which also featured Sivaji Ganesan.

Gautami Tadimalla called Saroja an icon who was emulated by generations of aspiring actresses for her grace, glamour, performance and charm.”Her poise, beauty and sparkling personality enthralled audiences and she has built a legacy that will endure for ages to come. I bow to her incredible achievements as a pioneering actress and mourn her passing with a heavy heart,” wrote Gautami.

Saroja Devi (1938-2025) | In pictures

Sivaji Ganesan and Saroja Devi in ‘Pudiya Paravai’. She had paired with Sivaji Ganesan in 22 films.

M.G. Ramachandran and Saroja Devi in ‘Anbe Vaa’. Making a mark with MGR in ‘Nadodi Mannan’, she acted with the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in 26 films.

Rajendra Kumar and Saroja Devi in ‘Sasural’. She signed up for the Hindi films with Dilip Kumar, Sunil Dutt and also with Shammi Kapoor.

Saroja Devi continued to be among the highest-paid actresses in Kannada and Telugu films. She was cast opposite N. T. Rama Rao in films like Bhagyachakram (1968), Uma Chandi Gowri Sankarula Katha (1968), Vijayam Manade (1970), Mayani Mamatha (1970), Shakuntala and Daana Veera Soora Karna (1979).

B. Saroja Devi was awarded Padma Sri in 1969 and Padma Bhushan in 1992. She was also awarded Kalaimamani by the Tamil Nadu Government.

After her marriage in 1967, Saroja Devi’s career in Tamil cinema gradually declined though she was active in Kannada movies. Despite starring opposite with late MGR in 22 films, her last film with him was ‘Arasa Kattalai’ in 1967.

In this 1957 photo, B. Saroja Devi is seen with S.V. Ranga Rao. She also dominated Telugu film industry acting with N.T. Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

Saroja Devi was the only Indian actress to play lead heroine in 161 consecutive films in 29 years between 1955 and 1984

In this 1961, B. Saroja Devi is seen with M.R. Radha. in the film ‘Thai Sollai Thattathe.’ Her involvement in Tamil films also continued with superhits like ‘Palum Pazhamum’ (1961), ‘Vazhkai Vazhvatharke’ (1964), ‘Aalayamani’ (1962), ‘Periya Idathu Penn’ (1963), ‘Puthiya Paravai’ (1964), ‘Panakkara Kudumbam’ (1964), ‘Enga Veetu Pillai’ (1965) and ‘Anbe Vaa’ (1966).

In the 1960s, Saroja Devi became a fashion icon among the South Indian women, who mimicked her saris, blouses, jewellery, hairstyles and mannerisms. In particular, her saris and jewellery from the Tamil movies ‘Enga Veettu Pillai’ (1965) and ‘Anbe Vaa’ (1966) were popularised widely in magazines

Sivaji Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi in the Tamil film ‘Paalum Pazhamum’. Saroja Devi continued starring in Tamil movies opposite Sivaji Ganesan after her marriage: ‘En Thambi’ (1968), ‘Anbalippu’ (1969), ‘Anjal Petti 520’ (1969), ‘Arunodhayam’ (1971), ‘Thenum Paalum’ (1971), ‘Paarambariyam’ (1993) and ‘Once More’ (1997).

In her long career, Saroja Devi chiefly opted for romantic films only in the 1960s and later sentimental and socially relevant films right from the late 1960s to the 1980s.

Twice in 1998 and 2005, Saroja Devi chaired film juries — the 45th National Film Awards and the 53rd National Film Awards jury. She served as the vice-president of Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha, and as a member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’s local advisory committee.
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“Having acted alongside all leading heroes and starred as the heroine in over 200 films, she guided generations of women through her art, discipline, and dedication,” wrote actor Karthi in his tribute.