Veteran South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi passed away at the age of 87 on Monday due to age-related illness. She breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru.
Fondly known as Abhinaya Saraswati, Saroja Devi was a legendary figure in Indian cinema. She acted in over 200 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages, with a career spanning more than seven decades.
She made her silver screen debut in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidas. Over the years, her filmography came to include several iconic works such as Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, Anna Thangi, Bale Bangaara, Nadodi Mannan, Karpoora Karasi, Thirumanam, Bhakta Kanakadasa, and many more. Her final film appearance was in the Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma, which marked her 219th movie.
Notable celebrities, politicians, and fans across India took to social media to express their grief at the demise of the veteran actress.
Social Media on the Demise
Actress Khushboo Sundar wrote on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter): “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi Amma was the greatest of all time. No other female actor in the South has ever enjoyed the name and fame like her—such a lovable, adorable soul. She had a great rapport with everyone. My trips to Bengaluru were incomplete without meeting her, and whenever she was in Chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also paid tribute on social media, stating:
“The news of the passing of veteran Kannada actor B. Saroja Devi is deeply saddening. Known as Abhinaya Saraswati or the ‘Goddess of Acting’, she starred in nearly 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. The very mention of her name brings to mind her graceful performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi. Through films of refined taste, she entertained and inspired audiences for several decades. Her passing marks a tremendous loss for Indian cinema. I pray her soul rests in peace. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family and fans.”
Fans too expressed their sorrow, with many calling it the end of an era. Saroja Devi was fondly referred to as “Amma” by her admirers, a testament to the deep affection and respect she commanded.
