When we talk about grace, beauty, and sheer screen presence in Indian cinema, one name that stands tall is B. Saroja Devi. Revered as the “Abinaya Saraswathi” (Goddess of acting), she was not just a leading lady she was the very definition of elegance on screen during the 1960s and 70s.
Born on January 7, 1938, in Bangalore, Saroja Devi entered the film industry at a young age. Her breakthrough came with the Kannada film “Mahakavi Kalidasa” (1955), but it was the Tamil movie “Nadodi Mannan” (1958) opposite M.G. Ramachandran that catapulted her to fame across South India.
Her beauty, combined with impeccable expressions and powerful performances, made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike. She went on to work in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films — a feat few actresses achieved with such ease.
The Golden Era: 1960s & 70s
During this period, Saroja Devi ruled the silver screen. She was paired with legendary actors such as:
- M.G. Ramachandran (MGR)
- Sivaji Ganesan
- N.T. Rama Rao (NTR)
- Dr. Rajkumar
- Gemini Ganesan
- Dilip Kumar (in Hindi cinema)
Her most iconic films include:
- Tamil: Nadodi Mannan, Palum Pazhamum, Anbe Vaa
- Telugu: Panduranga Mahatyam, Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam
- Kannada: Sri Krishnadevaraya, Jeevana Tharanga
- Hindi: Sasural, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya
Her roles were not limited to just romantic heroines — she played mythological characters, strong family women, and graceful queens with equal conviction.
Saroja Devi’s fashion choices — from elegant sarees to her iconic hairstyles — set trends across the country. Her poise, refined diction, and expressive eyes made her an on-screen sensation. She was considered the epitome of class, especially in an era where loud makeup and overacting were common.
Awards and Recognition
Saroja Devi’s contributions to Indian cinema earned her numerous accolades:
- Padma Bhushan (1992)
- Padma Shri (1969)
- Karnataka Ratna and Rajyotsava Awards
- Several Filmfare Awards South
- Honored with lifetime achievement awards by multiple film organizations
She was also awarded honorary doctorates from various universities for her role in promoting arts and culture.
Even though she gradually stepped back from films by the late 1980s, her impact on Indian cinema is everlasting. Younger actresses continue to admire her grace, and her classic films are still cherished by fans.
Saroja Devi was not just a star she was an institution. She symbolized a time when cinema was deeply rooted in performance, dignity, and storytelling
Q1. What are some of the best films of Saroja Devi?
Ans: Some of her iconic films include Nadodi Mannan, Anbe Vaa (Tamil), Panduranga Mahatyam (Telugu), Sri Krishnadevaraya (Kannada), and Sasural (Hindi).
Saroja Devi truly was the face of elegance in the golden era of Indian films. Her contribution across multiple languages and genres showcased not just versatility but also a deep passion for the craft. In the history of Indian cinema, her name shines with unmatched brilliance — reminding us of a time when grace and talent walked hand in hand on the silver screen.