Celebrated for her famous roles in regional film, veteran actress B. At the age of 87, Saroja Devi took her last breath in Bengaluru, bidding farewell to a life filled with iconic cinematic milestones.
At the age of 87, the renowned B. Saroja Devi, who was well-known for her vast body of work in several regional cinema industries, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025. According to reports, she had been afflicted with age-related illnesses.
Often hailed as the first superstar of Kannada cinema, Saroja Devi began her illustrious journey with the 1955 film *Mahakavi Kalidasa*. She later starred in a number of iconic films, including Mallammana Pavaada (1968), Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1963), Kittur Chennamma (1961), and School Master (1958).
She rose to prominence in the Tamil cinema business because of her performance in Nadodi Mannan, which was cast by the renowned actor M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). She worked with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan on one of her best-known projects, Bhaga Pirivinai (1959).
Saroja Devi shared the screen with MGR in over 20 films, making their on-screen partnership one of the most iconic in South Indian cinema. Palum Pazhamum, Vazhkaivazhvatharke (1964), Aalayamani (1962), Periya Idathu Penn (1963), Puthiya Paravai (1964), Panakkara Kudumbam (1964), Enga Veetu Pillai (1965), and Ambe Vaa (1966) are some of her other well-known Tamil works.
Alongside the renowned actor N.T. Rama Rao, she starred in successful Telugu films such as Seetarama Kalyanam (1961), Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961), and Dagudu Moothalu (1964).
She received the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992 in appreciation of her contributions to Indian film. The Government of India presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
In addition, Saroja Devi collaborated on Hindi films with well-known actors including Sunil Dutt (Beti Bete, 1964), Rajendra Kumar (Sasural, 1961), and Dilip Kumar (Paigham, 1959).