B. Saroja Devi, a towering figure in South Indian cinema, died today, July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru. She was 87 years old. The veteran actress passed away at her residence in Malleswaram due to age-related ailments, according to news agency PTI. Her death marks the end of a six-decade career that spanned Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.
The evergreen queen of Indian cinema, B. Saroja Devi, was a legendary actress known for her work in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. In her career spanning more than six decades, she has mesmerised audiences with her exceptional acting capabilities and charming personality.
Reports indicate she had been battling health issues in recent months. She was found unconscious at home this morning, as confirmed by her manager Vijaykumar. Industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai noted her reign during the golden era of South Indian cinema, citing hits like Enga Veettu Pillai and Anbe Vaa with MGR. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and many people from all over Indian pays their tribute to the legendary actress the true “Abhinaya Saraswathi.”
Early Life and Career
Bangalore Saroja Devi, born on January 7, 1938, in Bangalore. Her father, Bhairappa, was a police officer, while her mother, Rudramma, was a homemaker. Saroja Devi was their fourth daughter. Her father encouraged her to learn dance and pursue a career in acting, often accompanying her to studios and supporting her through her early struggles.
Saroja Devi’s journey to stardom began with her debut in the Kannada film “Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955),” where she played a supporting role. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada, marking the beginning of her illustrious career. She made her Tamil debut with B. R. Panthulu’s “Thangamalai Ragasiyam (1957)” and her Telugu debut with Kamalakara Kameswara Rao’s “Panduranga Mahatyam (1957).”
B. Saroja Devi The Star
Her big break came with M. G. Ramachandran’s Tamil hit “Nadodi Mannan (1958),” which established her as one of the top actresses in Tamil cinema. In 1959 she made her Hindi film debut with “Paigham,” with Dilip Kumar. Vyjayanthimala and Raaj Kumar.
She then acted in a few more Hindi films like Sasural (1960) opposite Rajendra Kumar, Opera House (1961) opposite Ajit, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963) opposite Shammi Kapoor, Beti Bete (1964) opposite Sunil Dutt, Dooj Ka Chand (1964) opposite Bharat Bhushan, and Preet Na Jane Reet (1966) opposite Shammi Kapoor.
Over the years, she became known by epithets such as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (Saraswathi of acting) and “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada’s Parrot). She acted in 26 films with superstar MGR and was considered his lucky mascot. She also acted in 28 films with Gemini Ganeshan and 22 films with Sivaji Ganeshan.
Kannadathu Paingili
B. Saroja Devi’s filmography is extensive, with around 200 films to her credit. Some of her most iconic films and memorable performances include Kalyana Parisu (1959), Bhaaga Pirivinai (1959), Thirudadhe (1961), 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).
Some of her most memorable Kannada films include Chintamani (1957), School Master (1958), Jagajyothi Basveshwara (1959), Kittooru Rani Chennamma (1961), Amarashilpi Jakanachaari (1964), and many more. She has also done remarkable work in Telugu cinema with films like Pelli Kaanuka (1960), Seetarama Kalyanam (1961), Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961), Daagudu Moothalu (1964), Amara Shilpi Jakkanna (1964), Aatma Balam (1964), and Rahasyam (1967).
Some of B. Saroja Devi’s later films include Arasa Kattalai (1967), Pen Endral Pen (1967), En Thambi (1968), Panama Pasama (1968), Anbalippu (1969), Anjal Petti 520 (1969), Kula Vilakku (1969), Kann Malar (1970), Malathi (1970), Mallammana Pavada (1969), Nyayave Devaru (1971), Arunodhayam (1971), Arunodhayam (1971), Uyir (1971), Thande Makkalu (1971), Sri Srinivasa Kalyana (1974), Babruvahana (1977) and Bhagyavantharu (1977), Gunavanthudu (1975), Pathu Matha Bandham (1974), Katha Sangama (1976), Sri Renukadevi Mahathme (1977), Rudranaga (1984), Thaimel Aanai (1988), Ponmana Selvan (1989), Dharma Devan (1989), Paarambariyam (1993), Anuraga Sangama (1995), Agni IPS (1997), Once More (1997) and Aadhavan (2009).
Personal Life
B. Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha in 1967, and the couple went on to have three kids: Harsha Indira, Harsha Gautam, and Ramachandran. She also adopted a daughter, Harsha Bhuveneshwary, who died young. She sponsors the Bhuvaneshwari Award for literature in her memory. Her husband passed away in 1986.
Saroja Devi received numerous awards and honours throughout her career, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992 from the Government of India. She also received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University and the Kalaimamani award from Tamil Nadu.
B. Saroja Devi on IMDB
