B. Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: End of an Era in Indian Cinema

Veteran South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, often hailed as “Abhinaya Saraswati” for her exceptional acting prowess, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death marks the loss of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated and iconic female stars.

B. Saroja Devi: A Legendary Career

B. Saroja Devi ruled the silver screen from the 1950s to the 1970s, appearing in over 180 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. She was known for her grace, strong screen presence, and her ability to portray complex emotions with remarkable subtlety — a trait that earned her the title “Abhinaya Saraswati” (a reference to the goddess of wisdom and performing arts).

Her most memorable roles were often opposite legends like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao (NTR), and Dr. Rajkumar. She also worked with Bollywood greats including Dilip Kumar and Rajendra Kumar, and was one of the first South Indian actresses to gain pan-India popularity.

Tributes from the Film Fraternity

Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from across the Indian film industry:

• Superstar Rajinikanth, who considered her a maternal figure, stated, “I lost my other mother.”
• Shiva Rajkumar, son of Dr. Rajkumar, expressed deep sorrow, calling her “a shining jewel of our cinema who shaped the golden age of Kannada and Tamil films.”
• Numerous actors, directors, and political leaders paid homage to her contribution to Indian art and culture.

Awards and Recognition

Over her lifetime, B. Saroja Devi received numerous honors, including:

• Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri from the Government of India
• Kalaimamani Award (Tamil Nadu)
• NTR National Award
• Several Filmfare Awards and Lifetime Achievement awards for her contribution to cinema

Personal Life and Legacy

Born in 1937 in Bengaluru, B. Saroja Devi entered films as a teenager and quickly rose to fame. She married industrialist Sri Harsha in 1967 and took a step back from acting in the 1980s, later returning in select roles and serving on film boards.

Her death leaves behind a formidable legacy of artistic excellence and a body of work that continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Final Rites and Public Mourning

Her final rites will be performed with full state honors. Film fans and colleagues across India are paying their respects, reflecting on a golden era shaped by her timeless performances.