Chennai (Commonwealth Union)_ Veteran South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, a beloved icon of Indian cinema, died peacefully at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, on Monday. She was 87. According to reports, she had been facing age-related health issues. On Monday, she was discovered unresponsive in her residence and taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed her passing. The news of her demise shook India’s film industry and beyond. Fans, coworkers, and netizens paid tribute to the brilliant light she flashed in movies for almost six decades, creating memorials both online and offline.
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The filmy career and accolades
Saroja Devi, born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, began her cinema career at the age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. Her skill swiftly elevated her to prominent roles, where she appeared in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and even Sinhalese, alongside some of her era’s best performers, including M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao. By 1957, she had made her mark in Telugu cinema with Pandurang Mahathyam, and in 1958, her performance in the Tamil classic Nadodi Mannan confirmed her as one of Tamil cinema’s brightest stars. Between 1955 and 1984, she acted as heroine in a remarkable 161 consecutive films, a testament to her devotion and popularity that few can achieve.
In 1967, she tied the knot with Kannada farmer-politician Sri Harsha, which temporarily restricted her acting in Tamil films after 1974. However, she maintained her dominance in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinemas throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Additionally, her debut Hindi film, Paigham (1959), demonstrated her talent in yet another language. Her contributions earned her one of India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 1969, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She also received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University, the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani Award, and a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
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National mourning and personal tributes
- As news of her passing circulated, India’s leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and many others, expressed their sorrow. A tweet from PM Modi praised her as an “exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture,” noting her ability to transcend linguistic and regional boundaries. He added that her performances “left an indelible mark across generations,” and offered condolences to her family. He signed it with “Om Shanti.”
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described her death as a “deep sorrow,” recalling her unforgettable roles in films such as Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi. He called her the “goddess of acting” and prayed that her soul rests in peace.
- Governor R.N. Ravi commented on her “luminous presence and artistry” that transcended both time and language.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin fondly remembered her gentle smile and warm demeanor in a tribute, calling her loss “irreplaceable.” He highlighted her many memorable songs shared on screen alongside leading actors of her era.
- Other political leaders, including Edappadi K. Palaniswami (AIADMK), Vaiko (MDMK), and Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss (PMK), also issued heartfelt condolences.
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Tribute from the stars
- Saroja Devi was deeply respected by her peers. Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted, “The legendary actress Saroja Devi, who captured the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace.”
- Actor Kamal Haasan posted a deeply personal tribute in Tamil. Translated, he wrote: “Wherever she saw me—at every stage of my life—she was there with a gentle finger on my cheek and a loving voice saying, ‘My dear son.’ She was like another mother to me, Saroja Devi Amma. An artist who lived beyond the boundaries of language and region, she has passed away.”
- Khushbu Sundar, actor and politician, spoke of a golden cinematic era ending. Posting a monochrome picture of Saroja Devi, she described her as “the greatest of all time” in South Indian film, sharing how their personal bond, calls from Chennai, and meetings in Bengaluru enriched her life. “Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti,” she wrote.
- Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep summed it up beautifully: “Like a parijata flower, she has lived a full life with her fragrance and has now departed from us.”
- Choreographer-actor Prabhudheva praised her timeless elegance and immense contribution to Indian cinema.
- Shiva Rajkumar went to her residence to offer condolences in person. He shared, with tears, “We cannot forget her. She was a good person. She showed love and affection like a mother. I can say that I have lost my mother…”
- Actor Vijay Sethupathi paid a respectful tribute, tweeting simply, “RIP #SarojaDevi Madam.”
A legacy that remains forever
Saroja Devi’s career includes over 200 films in multiple languages and cultures. Her ability to connect with viewers, both in emotional dramas and blockbuster films, cemented her status as one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and popular icons. Her roles frequently combined grace, power, and emotional depth, resulting in outstanding performances that continue to reverberate. Even after she retired, her presence served as a reminder to generations who admired the golden age of South Indian cinema. Her numerous awards, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Kalaimamani, an honorary degree, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, attest to the significant effect she had on film. Beyond these accolades, her kindness, humility, and compassion, as recalled by those she worked with, genuinely defined her soul.
Final curtain, lasting impact
As the world mourns Saroja Devi’s death, it is apparent that her influence extends well beyond her on-screen roles. She inspired the careers of innumerable performers, entertained audiences in several languages, and changed the cultural fabric of Indian film. While the lights on her earthly stage have dimmed, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of performers and filmmakers. Her films will remain cherished, replayed, and held up as examples of a time when cinema was both art and emotion. In the hearts of her fans and colleagues, Saroja Devi lives on, smiling, speaking, and touching lives. RIP Saroja Devi, ma’am.
