Bengaluru, July 14, 2025 — The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its most iconic stars, Bangalore Saroja Devi, who passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, following age-related ailments. Fondly known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (Goddess of Acting), she leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations, languages, and cinematic styles.Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Saroja Devi was the daughter of Bhairappa, a police officer, and Rudramma, a homemaker. Her father recognized her artistic potential early on and encouraged her to pursue dance and performance, which eventually led her to the silver screen.
A Trailblazing Career Across Four Languages
Saroja Devi made her debut in the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) at the age of 17. Her expressive eyes and commanding screen presence quickly made her a household name.
She went on to star in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, becoming one of the few actresses to achieve pan-Indian stardom.Her Tamil breakthrough came with Nadodi Mannan (1958), opposite M.G. Ramachandran, which catapulted her to superstardom. She shared screen space with legends like Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Dilip Kumar, delivering unforgettable performances in classics such as Kittur Chennamma, Panduranga Mahatyam, Sasural, and Paasa Malar.Between 1955 and 1984, she achieved a rare feat in Indian cinema—playing the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films, a record that remains unmatched.
Honors and Recognition
Saroja Devi’s contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with numerous accolades:
- Padma Shri (1969)
- Padma Bhushan (1992)
- Kalaimamani Award by the Tamil Nadu government
- Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University
- NTR National Award, MGR Award, and Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award
Her achievements were not just limited to acting. She was a cultural ambassador who helped bridge regional cinema with national audiences, earning admiration for her grace, discipline, and versatility.
In 1967, Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha, an engineer who supported her career wholeheartedly. Though the couple did not have biological children, they adopted her niece Bhuvaneshwari, who tragically passed away young. In her memory, Saroja Devi instituted the Bhuvaneshwari Award for Literature, reflecting her deep commitment to the arts beyond cinema.
Her final screen appearance was in the 2019 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma, starring Puneeth Rajkumar, marking the end of a luminous journey that began over six decades ago.
Condolences have flooded social media from fans, celebrities, and political leaders. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called her passing “a tremendous loss for Indian cinema,” while actress Khushbu Sundar wrote, “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. Amma was the greatest of all times”.
Her funeral is expected to be held in Bengaluru, with thousands expected to pay their respects to the woman who redefined stardom for generations of Indian actresses.
B. Saroja Devi’s passing marks the end of an era. Her journey from a young dancer in Bengaluru to the first female superstar of Kannada cinema is a testament to her talent, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
She will be remembered not just for her films, but for the grace and dignity with which she carried herself—on and off screen.As the curtains fall on her life, her performances continue to shine in the hearts of millions. May her soul rest in peace.
