Latest news with #AbhinayaSaraswathi
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Saroja Devi passes away: 10 iconic Tamil songs to remember the late legendary actor
When the news about the demise of veteran actor B Saroja Devi broke out earlier today, I found a fellow passenger on the Metro train humming the tune of 'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' from the actor's 1964 film Puthiya Paravai. Speak to your mother about Saroja Devi, and she would sing 'Chittu Kuruvi,' from the same film, reminiscing about the times when the 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' ruled the silverscreen. A veteran who has starred in over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu, Saroja Devi is best remembered for featuring in some iconic songs during the Golden Age of Tamil cinema. Here are 10 iconic Tamil songs to remember the 'Kannadathu Paingili' who ruled the hearts of film audiences. Interestingly, late acclaimed singer P. Susheela was the voice behind Saroja Devi in all of these popular songs, while M.S. Viswanathan, independently or as part of the popular duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, composed the music. You might be surprised to find many entries from films starring M.G. Ramachandran; the Tamil superstar had starred in over 20 films with Saroja Devi. 'Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam' from Palum Pazhamum (1961) A duet track with the late legendary Sivaji Ganesan, 'Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam' is undoubtedly one of the most famous romantic songs of the '60s. The beautiful romance track features Sivaji and Saroja Devi dancing on a hilltop. Do watch out for Saroja's expressions when she sings, 'Paalodu pazham yaavum unakaga vendum, paavai un mugam paarthu pasiyaara vendum.' 'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' from Puthiya Paravai (1964) An evergreen Susheela rendition, this had to be on the list. 'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' is not only remembered for its elegant tune but also for its picturisation. The song features Saroja Devi, in a gorgeous red saree, singing in a ballroom, while Sivaji plays the piano. Lyricist Kannadan seizes the day when he goes, 'Kaadhal paatu paada, kaalam innum illai; thaalaatu paada thaai aagavillai.' 'Thottal Poo Malarum' from Padagotti (1964) A staple late-night melody, 'Thottal Poo Malarum' is adored by audiences for its breezy, laid-back composition. We doubt if there's a record of a Tamil mother from the '60s changing a television channel playing this iconic song, which features MGR and Saroja Devi as a couple from the fishing community, dancing and clapping in sync with the beats. The song was remixed by A.R. Rahman for the movie New decades later. 'Chittu Kuruvi' from Puthiya Paravai (1964) Another song that is so close to the hearts of the female audiences who grew up in the '60s and '70s. The percussion in the background, Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's ever-refreshing music, Susheela's mesmerising voice, and the unbeatable 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' at her best. Life is good when 'Chittu Kuruvi' is playing. 'Love Birds' from Anbe Vaa (1966) A great companion piece to 'Chittu Kuruvi,' this was the song you play when you feel the butterflies in your stomach. Saroja Devi, in a modern attire, captured the hearts of a million fans, especially fans of MG Ramachandran, who remember this comedy film dearly. Both 'Love Birds' and the film, Anbe Vaa, are highly recommended. 'Naan Paarththathile' from Anbe Vaa (1966) A portion of this romantic track, from the same film, was recently viral on Instagram for the lyrics: 'Endha kalaignanum avalai silai vadipaan, endha pulavanum avalai paatil vaipaan. Andha iyarkaiyum aval mel kaadhal kollum, aval ninaivaalae en kaalam sellum.' We agree, Mr. Vaali; who could resist singing about the beautiful Saroja Devi? 'Kodi Asaindhathum' from Parthal Pasi Theerum (1962) Did the flower bloom after the moonrise? Or did the moon arrive after the flower bloomed? Sivaji Ganesan and Saroja Devi promenade along a misty terrain, wondering about the same. One of the most famous tracks from Parthal Pasi Theerum, this song deserves a special place in our list. 'Aalaya Mainiyin Osayai' from Palum Pazhamum (1961) A Saroja Devi retrospective without this song would do it no justice. An evergreen lullaby, 'Aalaya Mainiyin,' from Paalum Pazhamum, features innumerable close-ups of the ever-radiant Saroja in a light-coloured saree, winning a million hearts with her expressions. 'Thanimayile Inimai' from Aadi Perukku (1962) This is for the loners who are feeling the Monday blues. Gemini Ganesan and Saroja Devi engage in a musical back-and-forth under the full moon, pondering if one could seek pleasure from solitude. 'Naam kaanum ulagil yedhum thanimai illai,' says lyricist KD Santhanam. 'Andru Vanthathum Idhe Nila' from Periya Idathu Penn (1963) Many would recommend the usual, chirpy version of this song, but we recommend you check out the sad version, which features Saroja and MGR sharing an intimate, vulnerable moment. 'Inbam thandhadhum orae nilaa, yenga vaippadhum orae nilaa,' goes a lyric and it's hard not to imagine her as that enchanting moon. Rest in peace, Saroja Devi. Special mentions: 'Sange Muzhangu' from Kalangarai Vilakkam (1965) 'Oru Pennai Paarthu' from Deiva Thai (1964) 'Kumari Pennin' from Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Veteran actor B Saroja Devi passes away at 87
Veteran actor B Saroja Devi passed away on Monday following age-related illness. Saroja breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was 87. Known as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi', B Saroja Devi made her silver screen debut in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. In a career spanning more than seven decades, she appeared in over 200 movies across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. Some of her notable works include Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, Anna Thangi, Bhakta Kanakadasa, Bale Bangaara, Naagakannike, Bettada Hoovu, Kasturi Nivasa, Nadodi Mannan, Karpoora Karasi, Panduranga Mahatyam, and Thirumanam. She was last seen in the 219 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma. B Saroja Devi was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. Celebrities, politicians and fans took to social media to mourn the demise of B Saroja Devi. Khushbu Sundar took to X and wrote, '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. 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.' Karantaka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on his X handle, '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.' A fan wrote, 'An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma's passing. A timeless legend, forever in our hearts. Om Shanti'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Actor Saroja Devi passes away at 87
Legendary actress passed away at the age of 87, according to OneIndia website. Fondly known as "Abhinaya Saraswathi" and "Kannadathu Paingili," Saroja Devi was a towering presence in South Indian cinema, having acted in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' to 'Nadodi Mannan' Saroja Devi's film journey began at just 17 years old with the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. But it was her role in the 1958 Tamil classic Nadodi Mannan, opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), that took her to nationwide fame. The film's massive success established her as a leading lady, and she quickly became a sought-after star across the southern states and in Bollywood. Rashmika Mandanna Cheers for Vijay Deverakonda as he Drops 'Kingdom' Teaser She went on to work with stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor. A Legacy Honoured by the Nation Saroja Devi's contributions to cinema were plenty. She received the in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She was also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University. Beyond her film work, she served as vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and as chairperson of the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards roles that showcased her commitment to shaping Indian cinema's future. An End of an Era Saroja Devi is also known as the female superstar of Kannada cinema. She got her first big break in the Kannada film 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' which was released in the year 1955. In the Telugu cinema she made her debut with 'Panduranga Mahatyam' which was released in the year 1957. Saroja Devi is the only Indian actress to play the heroine in over 161 consecutive films in 29 years (1955 and 1984).
