B. Saroja Devi, First Female Superstar of Kannada Cinema, Dies at 87

Entertainment News: According to film sources, veteran South Indian performer B. Saroja Devi, 87, died on Monday in Bangalore. She died of age-related diseases at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. In Tamil, she was fondly called Kannadathu Paingili (Kannada's parrot) and Abhinaya Saraswathi (Saraswathi of expressions) in Kannada. The film industry mourns the death of the veteran actor. Saroja Devi was a well-known actor in the South Indian film industry and earned a lot of accolades and respect in her career.

Khushbu Sundar mourns B. Saroja Devi's loss.

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar grieved her passing in a moving post on X. She wrote, “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all time. No other female actor in the South has ever enjoyed the name and fame she has. Such a lovable, adorable soul she was. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without meeting her. And whenever she was in Chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti. #SarojaDevi.”

About Saroja Devi

Saroja, who made her film debut at the age of 17 in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), is also regarded as Kannada cinema's first female superstar. The performer went on to win a National Award for her performance in her first film. Her Tamil film Nadodi Mannan (1958), co-starring famed actor and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran, established her as one of Tamil cinema's top actresses. Despite her marriage in 1967, Saroja Devi remained in demand, particularly in the Tamil cinema industry.

Fans mourn her death

Fans and celebrities used social media to send their respects. Industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai commented on her legacy: "#SarojaDevi (87), the yesteryear popular actress, passed away in Bengaluru. She reigned South Indian cinema during its golden era! Who can forget the romantic combination of MGR and Saroja Devi in blockbusters like Enga Veetu Pillai, Anbe Vaa, and so on?" A fan wrote, “An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma’s passing. A true legend—loved, admired, and unforgettable. I’ll miss her deeply. Om Shanti.”