Veteran Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, an actress known for her versatility across Indian cinema with appearances in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films, passed away on Monday, July 14. According to reports, she breathed her last at her residence in Bengaluru’s Malleswaram due to age- ailments. She was 87.
Saroja was born on January 7, 1938, to Bhairappa and Rudramma. Saroja displayed an early interest towards the performing arts and was a skilled dancer. She grew up holding on to that passion, and with the support of her parents, made her film debut at the age of 17 in Honnappa Bhagavatar’s Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. Though a supporting role, it provided her much-needed footing in the film industry.
After three years of appearing in dance numbers and small roles across Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, Saroja earned her big break as the leading lady in acclaimed filmmaker M. G. Ramachandran’s debut directorial feature Nadodi Mannan. Her performance caught the attention of northern filmmakers which helped her expand her filmography to Hindi cinema, making her Bollywood debut in 1959 film Paighamstarring alongside Dilip Kumar.
Saroja became a frequent collaborator with MGR, the duo working together in 26 films in eight years including Periya idathu penn (1963), Panakkara Kudumbam (1964), Enga veetu pillai (1965), and Anbe vaa (1966) to name a few. Her performance as Indian freedom fighter Kittur Chennamma in the Kannada flick Kittooru Rani chennamma (1961) was widely acclaimed.
Saroja holds a lasting place in Kannada cinema history, particularly for starring in Amarashilpi jakanachaarithe first full-length Kannada colour film.
She married Sri Harsha in 1967. Following his passing in 1986 due to health complications, she pressed pause on acting for five years. Saroja returned to the industry after fans and filmmakers insisted.
In recognition of her immense contribution to Indian cinema, she was honoured with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. Saroja Devi’s remarkable journey—from child dancer to supporting actress to leading star—will remain an indelible part of Indian cinematic history.
