Chennai, July 14, 2025 — Legendary actress B Saroja Devi, affectionately called “Abhinaya Saraswati” for her emotive brilliance, passed away on Monday at the age of 87, marking the end of a monumental era in Indian cinema. Widely regarded as one of the first female superstars of South India, she broke barriers and redefined stardom in a film industry largely dominated by male leads.
With an illustrious career spanning over four decades and more than 160 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages, B Saroja Devi carved a niche as a pan-Indian icon. Her on-screen versatility, expressive acting, and commanding presence made her a beloved figure across linguistic and regional boundaries.
A Star Among Legends: Saroja Devi’s Timeless On-Screen Pairings
Saroja Devi’s cinematic journey is marked by memorable collaborations with the most iconic male actors of her time. She acted in 26 films with M G Ramachandran (MGR), 22 with Sivaji Ganesan, and 17 with Gemini Ganesan, creating some of Tamil cinema’s most unforgettable moments. Films like Nadodi Mannan (1958), Thaai Sollai Thattadhe (1961), and Padagotti (1964) with MGR and Paarthaal Pasi Theerum (1962) and Aalayamani (1962) with Sivaji Ganesan still resonate with audiences today.
ALSO READ: Humaira Asghar Ali death case: No spinal cord, organs turned black, says autopsy
Her expansive reach also included memorable performances with legends such as N T Rama Rao (Seetharama Kalyanam, 1961), Dr Rajkumar (Mathyamanan Pavada), and Sunil Dutt (Beti Bete, 1964), along with Bollywood stars like Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor.
The Rise of a Young Star to a National Icon
B Saroja Devi made her film debut at 17 with Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) in Kannada cinema. She quickly rose to prominence, becoming the highest-paid actress of her time in Kannada films. Known as “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada’s Parrot), she was revered for her beauty, poise, and the poetic grace she brought to the screen.
Throughout her career, she received widespread recognition, including two Padma Awards, and served on the National Film Awards jury twice (1998 and 2005). Her contribution to Indian cinema was not just in performance, but also in pioneering the presence and power of female stars in an era defined by men.
As India mourns her loss, B Saroja Devi remains a symbol of cinematic excellence and trailblazing spirit—a woman who stood tall alongside giants and left behind an immortal legacy.
