B Saroja Devi: Veteran actor who was an iconic face in cinema landscape of the country
Often remembered as the 'first female superstar' of Kannada films, Saroja Devi began her acting journey at the age of 17 with Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. Over the next seven decades, she appeared in more than 200 films and left a mark on audiences across the country.
Born on January 7, 1938 in Bengaluru, she was awarded Padma Shri in 1967 and Padma Bhushan in 1992. She also received the Kalaimamani award, the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award, and the NTR National Award in both 2001 and 2009. In 2008, the Government of India honoured her with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 60th Independence Day celebrations.
Her Kannada roles in Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, Mallammana Pavada, Kasturi Nivasa, Naagakannike and Bettada Hoovu earned her widespread acclaim. She was popularly called Abhinaya Saraswathi, or Goddess of Acting, for her expressive style.
A memorable line she delivered in Kittur Chennamma — 'Nimage yaake kodabeku naavu kappa' — translated as 'Why should we pay you a tribute' became a fixture in school stage performances across Karnataka, with many students dressing as Rani Chennamma, a popular freedom fighter, to recite it.
Her onscreen pairing with MG Ramachandran (MGR) in Tamil cinema became a sensation. The two worked together in 26 consecutive hits between 1958 and 1966, including Nadodi Mannan, Thirudathe, Thaai Sollai Thattadhe, Enga Veetu Pillai and Anbe Vaa. After these successes, Saroja Devi was seen as a top star in the Tamil industry and, for a time, considered too expensive for Kannada filmmakers.
Her work in Telugu films began with Panduranga Mahatyam in 1957. She went on to star in films such as Jagadeka Veeruni Katha, Seetharama Kalyana, Shakuntala, Pramilaanjaneyam, Rahasyam alongside ANR, and Daagudu Moothalu with NT Rama Rao. Many of these were based on mythology or folklore.
In Hindi, she acted in films like Paigham, Preet Na Jaane Reet, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Opera House and Sasural. Her ability to move between languages and film cultures set her apart, and she later returned to Kannada cinema to take on supporting and character roles. Her last screen appearance was in the 2019 film Natasaarvabhowma.
Condoling her death, chief minister Siddaramaiah said in a post on X: 'The news of the passing of veteran Kannada actress B Saroja Devi is deeply saddening. Known as Abhinaya Saraswathi Goddess of Acting she acted in nearly 200 films across Kannada Tamil Telugu and Hindi cinema. The very mention of Saroja Devi brings to mind her graceful performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana and Anna Thangi. Through films of refined taste she entertained cinephiles for several decades. Her passing marks a tremendous loss for Indian cinema. I pray that her soul rests in peace. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family and fans.'
Actor Khushbu Sundar wrote on X, 'An era gold golden cinema comes to an end. Saroja Devi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her. Such a lovable adorable soul she was. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without meeting her. And whenever in Chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
36 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Soumya Pandey's success story: She left her rural hometown with high dreams and broke regional barriers in cinema
Actress Soumya Pandey has proven to the world that a filmy background isn't an essential criterion to succeed in Bollywood. The diva has, within a very short span of time, collaborated with some of the leading names in Bollywood. That's not all, she's even produced a few films, proving her versatile talents. In this article, we will learn a little bit more about Soumya Pandey's life and inspirational journey. Soumya Pandey never wanted to be an actress in the first place Soumya hails from a small town in Madhya Pradesh. Her family background had no close connection to the world of films, where her father had been an officer in the MP Police, and her mother is a homemaker. Her childhood had been quite simple, surrounded by a loving family. However, she never forgot to dream big. Interestingly, Soumya's initial aspirations were towards sports. During her school days, she trained in a number of games like hockey, badminton, and volleyball. Later on, Soumya's father inspired her to aim for the civil services and become either an IAS or an IPS officer. However, things completely turned in a different direction from here. Soumya Pandey's unexpected foray into modelling When Soumya started college in Jabalpur, her teachers encouraged her to participate in a modelling event during her fresher's party. However, she was quite hesitant to take part since she had no experience in wearing heels or putting on makeup. However, the powerful experience ultimately transformed her worldview and perception, leading her to realise that the stage and camera were indeed her calling. Things after this were not exactly smooth, since Soumya was tasked to convince her father about modelling. Her father took a year to respond and allow her to pursue this profession. She later recalled, 'When I told my father I was pursuing modeling, he asked, 'What is that?' He never said no outright, but always made me wait a year before fulfilling any request. At the time, it felt frustrating, but today, I realize how much it taught me about discipline and patience.' Struggles in Mumbai before making a cut in cinema While reaching Mumbai to pursue her goals was an easy journey, what then remained was something more difficult. With no contacts or backing, Soumya faced various stages of struggle. Housing issues, rejections, and most importantly, a competitive environment in cinema, attempted to deter her from her ambitions. In her words, 'I had no acting experience. I started with modeling and later joined theatre. Mumbai can be overwhelming, and many people lose sight of their dreams amidst the distractions.' Soumya dealt with language barriers in Bollywood One of the other crucial challenges that came her way was a language barrier. Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, she had a different dialect of Hindi, which actually led many people to mistake her for a senior actor. However, with time, she learned the need to balance Hindi with English for better communication adaptability. Soumya Pandey's stint as a producer As an actor, Soumya became a part of several movies, including Raksha Bandhan and Breathe. She exemplified her talents in South cinema as well, with films like Prema, Geema, Thassha, and Diya. She then got herself trained in scriptwriting and is all set to turn producer for a Bollywood film, directed by Abbas-Mustan. Additionally, she is also a solo producer for an upcoming South Indian film. Soumya Pandey introducing her new podcast Fast forward to now, Soumya Pandey recently launched the SPP UNCUT PODCAST, a unique show with no editing and script in the first place. Promoting honest and unfiltered conversations, this would be hosted by Lucky Bisht. Some of the guests who have already graced her show till now include Gurmeet Chaudhary, Sooraj Pancholi, Abbas Mustan, and senior officer Sameer Wankhede.
Pink Villa
36 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Roti Kapda Aur Makaan actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar passes away at 79, was on ventilator support
Trigger warning: This article contains mention of death. Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar left for a heavenly abode at the age of 79. He was battling pneumonia and was in a critical condition. Reportedly, Kumar was on a ventilator support in the ICU before his death. The actor was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. Dheeraj Kumar dies of pneumonia According to a latest report by Mid-Day, Dheeraj Kumar's family has confirmed that the actor-producer took his last breath this morning, July 15, 2025. Reportedly, the veteran was kept under close observation by doctors at the hospital. He received all necessary medical treatment. Dheeraj's family earlier issued a statement about his health while requesting prayers for his speedy recovery. The family also urged everyone to respect their privacy during their difficult time. All about Dheeraj Kumar's work front Dheeraj Kumar worked in both Hindi and Punjabi films in his career. He played a key role in the 1974 movie Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, which starred late veteran actor Manoj Kumar and actress Zeenat Aman. The actor was also a part of the late actor Dilip Kumar's 1981 film, Kranti. His other notable works include Raaton Ka Raja, Ranga Khush, Heera Panna, Maang Bharo Sajana, Sharafat Chod Di Maine, Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, Karm Yudh, Sargam, Purana Mandir, and more. Dheeraj Kumar's career beginnings and production works Dheeraj Kumar had begun his career in the showbiz in 1965. He was one of the finalists in a talent show that the late superstar Rajesh Khanna won. Apart from his work in Hindi cinema, the actor acted in 21 Punjabi films from 1970 to 1984. Dheeraj Kumar was also a producer. He backed television shows like Om Namah Shivay, Shree Ganesh, Man Mein Hai Visshwas, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, and others. He directed Kahan Gaye Woh Log, a television series which aired on DD National in 1986. The producer last backed Ishq Aaj Kal in 2019, a web series that premiered on ZEE 5. Kumar was also the owner of a production company, Creative Eye, which he founded in 1986. He served as the chairman and managing director of the company.
Pink Villa
36 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Kabir Bedi on his sensational romance with Parveen Babi: 'I had a home and I wanted to start my life again with her there'
Kabir Bedi and Parveen Babi's infamous relationship makes for one of the most interesting chapters of Bollywood. Though they did not date for a long time, there are several stories about them. In a recent interview, the veteran actor revealed how the late actress struggled with her mental health, and despite offering help, she refused. Kabir Bedi on trying to help Parveen Babi with her mental illness Talking to Siddharth Kannan, Kabir Bedi stated that Parveen Babi 's biggest fear was that if people got to know about her mental instability in the industry, then she would not get any work. These two got together after the actor's separation from his wife, Protima Gauri, and her relationship with Danny Denzongpa ended. It was during their relationship that Bedi came to know about Babi's mental health. Kabir further stated that Parveen had accompanied him to London when he left India. The actor wanted to start a new life with her there and wanted her to sort out her treatment there. But she did not want any doctor to know about her condition. Kabir Bedi was a well-known name not just in Bollywood but also in Europe after his role as Sandokan. He further added that Parveen has even thought of leaving the film industry and staying with him. But Parveen did not like the pressure the actor was putting on her for the treatment, and she returned to India. It was the same time when her film Amar Akbar Anthony was released, and she had started getting work in the Hindi film industry again. Was Parveen Babi insecure of Kabir Bedi's stardom in Europe? Responding to this question, Kabir Bedi replied, 'This is true because she was the bigger star in India, and I was the star in Europe. People were not giving her the respect that she was getting in India.' Parveen Babi's condition worsened in the end, and she passed away in 2005. She was 50 years old when she breathed her last, and her remains were found 3 days after her passing. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more such updates.
