When Saroja Devi called MGR ‘anbu daivam'; revealed why she opposed remarriage post-husband's early demise: 'I could manage my life without a male companion'
B. Saroja Devi
has left an indelible void in South Indian cinema. She was known for her on-screen chemistry with
M.G. Ramachandran
(MGR), and the actress won hearts in Kollywood through several acclaimed films.
Saroja
Devi's Films with MGR
Saroja Devi and MGR collaborated on classic films such as Nadodi Mannan (1958), Paasam (1962), Deiva Thai (1964), Enga Veettu Pillai (1965), and Anbe Vaa (1966).
Legendary South Indian actor B. Saroja Devi dies at 87
Though their professional association came to an abrupt halt in 1967 due to a misunderstanding, the mutual admiration between the two stars remained intact. In an old interview with Deccan Chronicle in 2016, Saroja referred to MGR as her 'anbu daivam' (lovable god).
'When he introduced me in Nadodi Mannan, I was so naïve. He took care of me so well and used to give advice and tips while acting. After that, we acted together in several films.
Without MGR, there's no Saroja Devi!' she shared.
Memories of MGR's Home
She also fondly recalled her time at MGR's residence, Ramavaram Thottam. 'I have gone to his house several times and had food there. The house used to always be cool with its red oxide flooring.
There wouldn't be a separate dining table, and instead, there would be a long bench. I consider it a temple and believe that MGR still lives there,' she stated.
Why She Did Not Remarry
Saroja also opened up about her decision not to remarry after losing her husband, Shri Harsha, in 1986. The couple tied the knot in 1967, and she did not marry again after his demise. 'After my husband's demise at a young age, a lot of people told me to remarry. I said 'no', and I couldn't think of anyone else in his place. I was confident that I could manage my life without a male companion,' she said.
Saroja Devi breathed her last on Monday (July 14) at the age of 87, at her home in Malleswaram, Bengaluru.
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Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Saroja Devi death: PM Modi pays tribute - 'An exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Veteran South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru on July 14. Reportedly, the actress had been battling age-related ailments in recent months. The late actress was fondly remembered as Abhinaya Saraswathi in Kannada and Kannadathu Paingili in Tamil cinema. Her legacy spanned over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi industries. PM Narendra Modi pays tribute - "Exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture" Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn her passing, calling her an "exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture." The Tweet read, "Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality, B. Saroja Devi Ji. She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. Her works, spanning different languages and covering diverse themes highlighted her versatile nature. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti." Tributes pour In from across India Superstar Rajinikanth also expressed deep sorrow. He wrote, 'The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace. #SarojaDevi' 'பல கோடி ரசிகர்களின் மனம் கவர்ந்த மாபெரும் நடிகை சரோஜாதேவி இப்போது நம்முடன் இல்லை. அவருடைய ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும்.' Actor Shiva Rajkumar, visibly emotional, described her as 'another mother' and recounted a lifelong bond. Taking to the media he said, 'She has seen me since the time I was born. I think we can't forget her in a lifetime. More than being a superstar, she was a good human being, full of love and affection.' A legendary actor Saroja Devi made her film debut at just 17 with 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' (1955), going on to become Kannada cinema's first female superstar. Her Tamil breakthrough came with 'Nadodi Mannan' (1958). She starred opposite M.G. Ramachandran in 'Nadodi Mannan'. She continued to dominate the film industry through the 1960s and 70s, earning the Padma Shri (1969), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Kalaimamani awards, and served on the jury of the 53rd National Film Awards.
Hans India
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Saroja Devi: An epitome of graceful versatility
Bengaluru: Oneof Indian cinema's most celebrated actresses, B. Saroja Devi, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. Fondly referred to as Abhinaya Saraswathi for her expressive performances, the legendary artiste breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. According to family sources, the actress collapsed early in the morning and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead around 8:30 AM. Her final rites will be held on Tuesday, July 15. The demise of B. Saroja Devi marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. A towering figure in the film industries of Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, she was not just a popular screen presence but a cultural icon across South India and beyond. Her prolific career spanned more than six decades, during which she starred in over200 filmsin five languages. Early beginnings and rise to stardom Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, B. Saroja Devi made her acting debut at the tender age of 17 in the 1955 Kannada film 'Mahakavi Kalidasa', produced by the legendary Honnappa Bhagavathar. Her radiant beauty, emotive expressions, and classical poise soon earned her lead roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, where she became one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1960s and 1970s. In Tamil, she shot to fame with films like 'Thirudadhe', 'Kalyana Parisu', and the magnum opus 'Periya Idathu Penn'. She formed a much-loved on-screen pair with stalwarts such as M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) in Telugu. In Hindi cinema, she appeared opposite icons like Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, notably in films such as 'Sasural', 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya', and 'Beti Bete'. Graceful versatility Known for her versatile portrayals of everything from mythological characters to modern romantic heroines, Saroja Devi captivated audiences with her elegance and strong screen presence. Whether essaying the role of a devoted wife, a spirited young woman, or a tragic heroine, her performances resonated across generations. Her long association with filmmakers like B.R. Panthulu and A. Bhimsingh led to a string of commercial and critical hits. In Kannada cinema, she starred in several classics including 'Sri Krishnadevaraya', 'Kittur Chennamma', and 'Bhakta Kanakadasa'. Recognition and legacy B. Saroja Devi was honoured with numerous awards over the years, including the Padma Bhushan in 1992 for her contribution to Indian cinema. She also received state honours like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and was the recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards, both in the South and in Hindi. Apart from her acting, Saroja Devi remained active in social service and public life. She served as the chairperson of the Karnataka Film Development Corporation and was also a member of the Central Film Censor Board. Condolences pour in Tributes have been pouring in from across the political and film fraternities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling her 'a legendary artiste whose contributions enriched Indian cinema across languages.' Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also mourned her demise, highlighting her role in shaping Kannada and South Indian cinema. A Star Eternal Despite stepping away from films in the later years, B. Saroja Devi remained a revered name, with her body of work continuing to inspire actors and filmmakers. She is survived by her extended family and countless admirers. As the curtains fall on one of Indian cinema's brightest stars, the legacy of B. Saroja Devi endures — not just in celluloid, but in the hearts of millions who grew up watching her grace the silver screen with poise, depth, and dignity.
Hans India
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Ramchander Rao mourns death of legendary actress B Saroja Devi
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