Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi, hailed as one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru. The legendary star, known for her extensive work across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, had been suffering from age-related ailments.
Hailed as the first superstar of Kannada cinema, Saroja Devi debuted with the 1955 movieMahakavi Kalidasa.She went on to star in classics such asSchool Master(1958), Kittur Chennamma(1961), Amarashilpi Jakanachari(1963), Mallammana Pavada(1968)and more.
Legendary actor M.G. Ramachandran cast her inNadodi Mannan,following which she went on to become a popular name in the Tamil film industry. Her well-known film with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan includesBhaaga Pirvinai(1959).
With MGR, Saroja Devi starred in more than 20 movies. Palum Pazhamum, Vazhkai Vazhvatharke (1964), Aalayamani (1962), Periya Idathu Penn (1963), Puthiya Paravai (1964), Panakkara Kudumbam (1964), Enga Veetu Pillai (1965) and Anbe Vaa (1966) are her other noteable works in Tamil cinema.
Hailed as the first superstar of Kannada cinema, Saroja Devi debuted with the 1955 movieMahakavi Kalidasa.She went on to star in classics such asSchool Master(1958), Kittur Chennamma(1961), Amarashilpi Jakanachari(1963), Mallammana Pavada(1968)and more.
Legendary actor M.G. Ramachandran cast her inNadodi Mannan,following which she went on to become a popular name in the Tamil film industry. Her well-known film with the legendary Sivaji Ganesan includesBhaaga Pirvinai(1959).