LATEST IN NEWS
An Era Concludes: B. Saroja Devi, "Kannadathu Paingili," Passes Away at 87
Updated on: 14 July, 2025 12:52 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
B. Saroja Devi
The Indian film industry mourns the loss of a true legend, veteran actor B. Saroja Devi, who passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru. The iconic actress, 87, succumbed to age-related ailments at her residence in Malleswaram. Fondly known as "Kannadathu Paingili" (Kannada’s parrot) in Tamil and "Abhinaya Saraswathi" (Saraswathi of expressions) in Kannada, her demise marks the end of a golden era in South Indian cinema.
In Tamil cinema, Saroja Devi`s pairing with legends like M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and Gemini Ganesan created magic on screen. MGR, who considered her his lucky mascot, starred with her in an impressive 26 films, including blockbusters like Enga Veetu Pillai and Anbe Vaa. Her notable works also include Nadodi Mannan with MGR and Bhaaga Pirvinai with Sivaji Ganesan. She also shared screen space with Hindi stars such as Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Sunil Dutt.
Also Read: Farewell to a Legend: Kota Srinivasa Rao`s Legacy Lives On
A recipient of both the Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992), and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, B. Saroja Devi`s contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable. Her mortal remains will be kept at her Malleswaram residence until tomorrow, with the last rites scheduled for 12 pm. She leaves behind a cinematic legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Also Read: Asha Bhosle: 5 Best Songs By The Singer Which Still Tops Our Playlists
A Legacy of Cinematic Brilliance
Saroja Devi`s remarkable career spanned over two hundred films across four languages: Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. She made her debut at the young age of 17 in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, quickly earning the title of the first female superstar of Kannada cinema. Her influence extended beyond Sandalwood, as she became a leading lady for 29 years, leaving an indelible mark on every industry she graced.In Tamil cinema, Saroja Devi`s pairing with legends like M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and Gemini Ganesan created magic on screen. MGR, who considered her his lucky mascot, starred with her in an impressive 26 films, including blockbusters like Enga Veetu Pillai and Anbe Vaa. Her notable works also include Nadodi Mannan with MGR and Bhaaga Pirvinai with Sivaji Ganesan. She also shared screen space with Hindi stars such as Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Sunil Dutt.
Also Read: Farewell to a Legend: Kota Srinivasa Rao`s Legacy Lives On
Tributes Pour In
The news of her passing elicited a wave of condolences from across the film fraternity and beyond. Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar shared a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her.” Karnataka Chief Minister also expressed his sorrow, highlighting her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma and Babruvahana.A recipient of both the Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992), and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, B. Saroja Devi`s contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable. Her mortal remains will be kept at her Malleswaram residence until tomorrow, with the last rites scheduled for 12 pm. She leaves behind a cinematic legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Also Read: Asha Bhosle: 5 Best Songs By The Singer Which Still Tops Our Playlists
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you excited for Pawan Kalyan and Bobby Deol's Hari Hara Veera Mallu?
ADVERTISEMENT
