On Monday morning, July 14, 2025, the world of Indian cinema dimmed a little with the passing of B. Saroja Devi at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. At 87, the beloved actress, fondly called ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ (Goddess of Acting) by her Kannada fans and ‘Kannadathu Paingili’ (Kannada’s Parrot) in Tamil cinema, left us due to age-related illness. Her life was a reel of grace, talent, and heart… a story that spanned over seven decades and touched millions through more than 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
A star is born
Saroja Devi was only 17 when she first lit up the screen in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. That debut was not just a role… It was the start of a legacy. She became Kannada cinema’s first female superstar, a title she earned with her magnetic presence and ability to breathe life into every character. From the patriotic fire of Kittur Chennamma to the charm of Nadodi Mannan, she ruled the South Indian film industry, working alongside giants like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Shivaji Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao. She even shared the screen with Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar in films like Sasural. Her last role in the 2019 Kannada film Natasarvabhowma was a testament to her enduring love for cinema.
What made Saroja Devi special wasn’t just her acting. She was a style icon… her sarees, jewelry, and hairstyles in films like Enga Veettu Pillai and Anbe Vaa became the talk of the town, with women across South India copying her elegant looks. For 29 years, from 1955 to 1984, she played the lead heroine in 161 films… a record that still stands tall in Indian cinema.
A wave of grief
The news of her passing hit hard. Social media overflowed with tributes from fans, actors, and leaders. Actress Khushbu Sundar poured her heart out on X: “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi ‘Amma’ was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in the South has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her. Such a lovable, adorable soul. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without meeting her. I will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared his sorrow: “Saroja Devi’s passing is heartbreaking. Known as Abhinaya Saraswathi, she brought grace to nearly 200 films. Her performances in Kittur Chennamma and Anna Thangi will live on forever. This is a huge loss for Indian cinema. My condolences to her family and fans.”
A fan summed it up simply: “An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma’s passing. A timeless legend, forever in our hearts. Om Shanti.”
Her glittering achievements
Saroja Devi’s talent did not go unnoticed. She collected awards like memories, each one a nod to her incredible contribution to cinema. Here’s a look at some of her honors:
| Year | Award | Given By | For |
| 1969 | Padma Shri | Government of India | Fourth Highest Civilian Honor |
| 1992 | Padma Bhushan | Government of India | Third Highest Civilian Honor |
| 2008 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Government of India | Indian Cinema Contribution |
| 2009 | Kalaimamani Lifetime Achievement | Tamil Nadu Government | Tamil Cinema Contribution |
| 2009 | Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement | Karnataka Government | Kannada Cinema Contribution |
| 2009 | NTR National Award | Andhra Pradesh Government | Telugu Cinema Contribution |
| 2001 | NTR National Award | Andhra Pradesh Government | Telugu Cinema Contribution |
| 1993 | MGR Award | Tamil Nadu Government | Tamil Cinema Contribution |
| 1988 | Rajyotsava Award | Karnataka Government | Arts Contribution |
| 1969 | Tamil Nadu State Film Award | Tamil Nadu Government | Best Actress for Kula Vilakku |
| 1965 | Abhinaya Saraswathi Award | Karnataka | Excellence in Acting |
| 2024 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Prajavani Cine Samman | Cinema Contribution |
| 2009 | Natya Kaladhar Award | Bharat Kalachar, Chennai | Tamil Cinema Contribution |
| 2007 | NTR Award | Karnataka Telugu Academy | Notable Achievement |
| 2007 | Rotary Shivaji Award | Charitable Trust & Rotary Club, Chennai | Arts Contribution |
| 2006 | Honorary Doctorate | Bangalore University | Arts Contribution |
| 2006 | Vijay Award | Tamil Cinema | Tamil Cinema Contribution |
| 2003 | Dinakaran Award | Dinakaran | All-Round Achievement |
| 1997 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Cinema Express, Chennai | Cinema Contribution |
| 1994 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement – South | Filmfare | South Indian Cinema Contribution |
Her legacy was not just in trophies. In 2010, the Indian Vidya Bhavan created the Padma Bhushan B. Saroja Devi National Award to honor performing artists, with names like K.J. Yesudas and Vyjayanthimala among the recipients. She also served as Vice President of the Kannada Chalachitra Sangha and Chairperson of the Karnataka Film Development Corporation, leaving her mark on the industry’s growth.
The Woman Behind the Star
Born in Bengaluru in 1938 to a Vokkaliga family, Saroja was the fourth daughter of Bhairappa, a police officer, and Rudramma, a homemaker. Her father nudged her toward dance and acting, while her mother set firm rules… no swimsuits or sleeveless blouses… a code she followed her whole career. At 13, she caught the eye of filmmaker B.R. Krishnamurthy while singing at an event, and her journey began.
In 1967, she married Shri Harsha, an engineer who stood by her side, helping her navigate financial struggles and cheering on her career. After his passing in 1986, she paused acting but returned stronger, later taking on supporting roles in films like Aadhavan (2009). Her adopted daughter Bhuvaneshwari’s early death was a deep loss, but Saroja honored her with the Bhuvaneshwari Award for literature. She also poured her heart into charity, running camps and supporting trusts in memory of her husband and mother.
A farewell to a legend
Saroja Devi was not just an actress, she was a feeling. Her roles in Babruvahana, Panduranga Mahatyam, and Bettada Hoovu showed a range that could make you laugh, cry, or cheer. She was not just a star; she was a warm, generous soul who connected with everyone she met. As Khushbu said, no trip to Bengaluru felt complete without seeing her.
Her passing leaves a void, but her films, her grace, and her kindness will keep her alive in our hearts. Rest in peace, Saroja Amma. You will always be our Abhinaya Saraswathi. Om Shanti.
