Mon Jul 14 06:29:22 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Legendary Actress B Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87**
Bengaluru – Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. With a career spanning over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages, she left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Saroja Devi, fondly known as Abhinaya Saraswathi and Kannadathu Paingili (Kannada’s Parrot), began her cinematic journey in 1955 with the Kannada film “Mahakavi Kalidasa.” Her breakthrough came with the Tamil film “Nadodi Mannan (1958),” opposite MG Ramachandran, catapulting her to stardom.
Throughout her illustrious career, Saroja Devi starred alongside luminaries like Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, NT Rama Rao, and Rajkumar. She holds the remarkable record of playing lead roles in 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984, a feat unmatched in Indian cinema.
Her on-screen partnerships were particularly memorable, especially with MG Ramachandran, with whom she delivered 26 hit films, and Sivaji Ganesan, with whom she starred in 22 consecutive hits. She also appeared in successful Telugu films alongside NT Rama Rao and featured in Hindi films like “Paigham” and “Sasural.”
Saroja Devi’s contributions to cinema were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She also received the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University.
Beyond acting, she served as vice-president of the Kannada Chalanachitra Sangha and chaired the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards.
Widowed in 1986, Saroja Devi remained involved in cinema, mentoring young artists and supporting film initiatives. Her fashion sense also influenced trends in the 1960s. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2019 Kannada film “Natasaarvabhowma,” starring Puneeth Rajkumar.
Saroja Devi’s last rites will be held next to her husband Sri Harsha’s memorial at their Kodigehalli farm, following Veerashaiva tradition. She is survived by their two children.
*(With inputs from Uma Sudhir)*
First Piper 