Veteran Actress B. Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: A Cinematic Icon Who Ruled Indian Screens for Over 6 Decades

Legendary Indian actress and Padma Bhushan awardee B. Saroja Devi has passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a timeless legacy in Indian cinema. The iconic star, celebrated for her work across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, breathed her last on Sunday.

🎬 A Trailblazer of Indian Cinema

B. Saroja Devi was one of Indian cinema’s earliest female superstars, with a career that spanned more than six decades. She acted in over 200 films, earning immense popularity in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, often sharing screen space with leading actors such as Dr. Rajkumar, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao (NTR).

🏆 National Honors & Awards

Over the years, Saroja Devi was honored with several prestigious accolades for her immense contribution to Indian cinema:

Padma Bhushan (1992)

Padma Shri (1969)

Multiple state and national film awards for lifetime achievement and acting excellence.

Her legacy was not only cinematic but also cultural, as she became a symbol of grace and classical Indian beauty in the golden era of Indian films.

🏡 A Life Beyond the Limelight

Born on January 7, 1938, in Bangalore, Karnataka, B. Saroja Devi rose to fame with her expressive acting and elegance. Her performances were known for their emotional depth and charm, making her a beloved star among audiences across India.

She married Sri Harsha in 1967, who remained a strong pillar of support throughout her life. After his passing in 1986, she gradually stepped away from acting and focused on charitable work and cultural engagements.

🎭 Iconic Filmography

Her most notable films include:

• Kittur Chennamma (Kannada)
• Anbe Vaa (Tamil)
• Sri Krishna Tulabharam (Telugu)
• Sasural (Hindi)

These performances won her critical acclaim and contributed to her reputation as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.

🇮🇳 Nation Pays Tribute

Condolences poured in from film personalities, politicians, and fans across the country.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over her demise, calling her "a true gem of Indian cinema who mesmerized generations with her performances."
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, and other South Indian leaders remembered her as "a cultural icon whose contribution to cinema and society is unmatched."

🕯️ Final Goodbye to a Timeless Star

Saroja Devi's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. She leaves behind an extraordinary body of work and a trailblazing legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and cinephiles.

Her funeral is expected to be held with full state honors in Bengaluru.