B Saroja Devi death: Veteran Kannada actress dies at 87. Actors and politicians mourn her death as condolences pour in
Veteran actress B Saroja Devi passes away at 87 in Bengaluru. She debuted in 1955 with 'Mahakavi Kalidasa'. She gained fame across South Indian cinema. She starred in over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Rajinikanth and Khushbu Sundar paid tribute. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed sorrow. Her roles in 'Kittur Chennamma' and 'Babruvahana' are remembered.
Politicians and celebrities mourn the death of Kannada actress, B Saroja Devi's death. Actress B Saroja Devi's death has left the industry and many politicians in shock. On Monday, the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, fondly remembered as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' and 'Kannadathu Paingili', breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, at the age of 87. The cause of death was age-related health issues, reported IANS.Saroja Devi's story began like a film script — she was just 17 when she debuted in the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, a role that not only launched her into stardom but also won her a National Award. Her striking screen presence, emotive expressions, and magnetic charm quickly made her a household name across the South.
By 1958, her stardom transcended regional boundaries with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan opposite M.G. Ramachandran, cementing her status as a pan-Indian actress. After her marriage in 1967, an act that traditionally ended many actresses' careers in those days, Saroja Devi continued to rule the silver screen, especially in Tamil cinema.With a career spanning six decades, Saroja Devi starred in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, bringing to life unforgettable characters in both mythological and historical epics. Her performances in classics like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi are etched in the memory of millions of fans.Known for her versatility, she was as comfortable in emotionally rich dramas as she was in politically resonant roles. Her poise, grace, and the sheer force of her performances earned her not only admiration from audiences but also several accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
News of her passing triggered a flood of tributes from across the country. Political leaders joined in the chorus of grief. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's tweet, when translated to English, read, 'The news of the passing of senior Kannada actress B. Sarojadevi has caused deep sorrow. She had acted in approximately 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, earning fame as the goddess of acting.'
— siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah)
He added, 'The moment Sarojadevi is mentioned, her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi come to mind. Her departure, having entertained audiences for decades through refined films, is a significant loss to Indian cinema. I pray that Sarojadevi's soul finds peace. My condolences to her grieving family and fans.'
Superstar Rajinikanth tweeted, 'The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace.' — rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) Actor and politician Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional message along with a black-and-white photo of the actress: 'An era gold golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times. No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her." — khushsundar (@khushsundar) She added, "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.'
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