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New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
PM Modi remembers legendary actor Saroja Devi as an 'exemplary icon of Indian cinema'
BENGALURU: Expressing deep sadness over the demise of multi-lingual actor B Saroja Devi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as an 'exemplary icon of Indian cinema'. '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,' the PM said on social media. Fondly called 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' in Kannada and 'Kannadathu Paingili' in Tamil, the 87-year-old star passed away at her Malleswaram residence in Bengaluru on Monday morning. Hundreds of people, including politicians and film personalities, paid homage to the legendary actress. All-India Congress Committee General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, actors Shivrajkumar, Jaggesh, and Upendra, Bengaluru Rural MP Dr CN Manjunath, former ministers TB Jayachandra and Janardhana Reddy, Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce President Narasimhalu and others paid their last respects to the actress. The mortal remains will be kept till Tuesday morning and at 11.30 am, it will be taken to her village Dashavara in Channapatna for the last rites, informed her son Harsha Gautham. The family had decided to donate her eyes and the procedure was completed. The actress will be laid to rest with state honours. CM Siddaramaiah also expressed his condolence. 'The news of the death of veteran Kannada actress is painful. Her departure is a great loss to the Indian film industry. May Sarojadevi's soul rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family and fans said,' the chief minister said. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also paid his tributes. 'Sarojadevi, who acted with all the leading actors of all Indian languages, including the great actor Dr Rajkumar, was the goddess of acting for her fans. Her unique acting kept us all spellbound. She has made a huge contribution to enriching the Kannada silver screen; she has acted in more than 200 films, including Kittur Rani Chennamma and Babruvahana. Her passing is a great loss to the film industry and the nation. May her soul rest in peace and may God grant her family and fans the strength to bear this grief,' he said.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Sorry Karnataka!' Sonu Nigam apologises for his remarks at Bengaluru concert: 'My love for you is bigger than my ego'
After facing backlash for his remarks at a Bengaluru concert, Sonu Nigam apologized, stating, "My love is bigger than my ego." He emphasized his respect for Kannada language and culture. However, he claimed he was "humiliated" and "threatened" during the event. The Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce has boycotted him. Following strong criticism over his comments at a recent Bengaluru concert, Sonu Nigam has issued an apology. After initially sharing a clarification on Instagram, the singer returned to social media to express regret, stating that his love for Karnataka is not bigger than any pride or ego. Sonu Nigam Apologises The singer took to Instagram to apologize, saying, 'Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always." This apology followed his earlier clarification addressing the controversy. In that statement, he emphasized his longstanding respect and admiration for the language, culture, music, and artists not just in Karnataka but around the world. Nigam expressed that he values his Kannada songs greatly, even more than his Hindi tracks. He mentioned that he always includes a set of Kannada songs lasting over an hour in his performances in Karnataka. However, he claimed that during the concert, a fan humiliated him and a young person, whom he described as being about his son's age, threatened him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Start Here - 2025 Top Trend Local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo He wrote on Instagram, "I am not a young lad to take humiliation from anyone. I am 51 years old, in the second half of my life and am entitled to take offence for someone as young as my son threatening me directly in front of thousands in the name of a language that too Kannada, which is my second language when it comes to my work. That, too, right after my first song of the concert!" "I leave it upto the sensible people of Karnataka to decide who is at fault here. I will accept your verdict gracefully. I fully respect and trust the law agencies and Police of Karnataka and will comply with whatever is expected from me. I have received divine love from Karnataka and will cherish it always with no malice whatsoever, irrespective of your verdict," he concluded. Controversy and FIR For those unfamiliar, the controversy began on April 25, 2025, at East Point College, when Sonu Nigam reportedly declined a fan's request to sing a Kannada song and mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack in his reply. This led to an FIR being filed against him on May 3 for allegedly making offensive remarks about the Kannadiga community. Subsequently, the Bengaluru District Police issued a formal notice asking Sonu to appear before the investigating officer within a week to address the charges. Kannada Film Industry Boycott Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce declared that the Kannada film industry, also known as Sandalwood, will cease all collaborations and involvement with Sonu Nigam in any upcoming projects.
