Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, often hailed as ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 87.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over her demise and remembered her as a cultural treasure whose performances transcended generations.
In a tribute shared on X, PM Modi said, “Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality, B Saroja Devi Ji. She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality, B. Saroja Devi Ji. She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. Her works, spanning different languages and covering diverse…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2025
A Glorious Career Spanning Over 60 Years
Saroja Devi’s cinematic journey began in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa at the age of 17. She soon rose to prominence with her magnetic screen presence and exceptional acting skills. Her breakthrough in Tamil cinema came with Nadodi Mannan in 1958, after which she starred in several box-office hits across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.
Her work in Telugu began with Pandurang Mahathyam in 1957, and she shared screen space with legends such as MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and NT Rama Rao.
Between 1955 and 1984, she acted as the female lead in 161 consecutive films, a feat few could rival.
Saroja Devi remained one of the most sought-after actresses across South India well into the 1970s. While her popularity in Tamil films peaked before 1974, she continued to dominate Kannada and Telugu screens until the early 1980s. She also made her mark in Hindi cinema with Paigham in 1959, acting in multiple films until the mid-60s.
The nation widely recognised her contribution to the arts. She was awarded 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. In 2008, the industry honoured her with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Revered for her grace and versatility, B Saroja Devi symbolised the golden era of Indian cinema. Her life and legacy continue to inspire generations of artists and cinephiles.
PM Modi’s tribute reflects the nation’s collective respect for an icon whose work not only entertained but enriched Indian cultural heritage.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in film history, but her legacy will continue to shine on the silver screen and in the hearts of millions.
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