INDIA, 14 July 2025: Veteran Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, affectionately known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (Goddess of Acting) and “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada Parrot), has passed away at the age of 87, according to the OneIndia website. Her demise marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over two centuries of filmmaking, cementing her legacy as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures.
Saroja Devi’s remarkable film journey began at just 17 years old with the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. Her breakthrough came with the 1958 Tamil classic Nadodi Mannan, where she starred opposite the legendary M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). The film’s immense success propelled her to nationwide fame, establishing her as a highly sought-after leading lady across the southern states and even gaining popularity in Bollywood. Notably, she holds a unique record as the only Indian actress to play the heroine in over 161 consecutive films over 29 years, from 1955 to 1984.
Throughout her prolific career, Saroja Devi graced the screen alongside cinematic stalwarts such as Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal. Often hailed as the female superstar of Kannada cinema, she made her Telugu debut with Panduranga Mahatyam in 1957.
Her immense contributions to Indian cinema were widely recognized and honored. She was a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, two of India’s highest civilian awards. Additionally, she received the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University. Beyond her acting prowess, Saroja Devi also played crucial roles in shaping the future of Indian cinema, serving as vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and as chairperson of the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards.
Saroja Devi’s most recent work was in the 2019 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma, directed by Pavan Wadeyar, demonstrating her enduring connection to the industry that she so significantly enriched.
