B. Saroja Devi—South India Cinema's First Female Superstar—died this morning around 9 AM at her residence located at Malleswaram in Bengaluru. She was 87.🌹
A Fitting Farewell: "The Goddess of Acting" has left us
Have you ever seen a performance or story that stays with you forever? Saroja Devi's performances did that, she was known fondly as Abhinaya Saraswathi and Kannadathu Paingili in her films. She did more than just act, she breathed life into each character she portrayed—one of the reasons she struck a chord with Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi audiences alike.
Why it's an incredibly fitting farewell and incredibly important
- Cinematic History: She achieved a unique feat—161 consecutive films as a heroine from 1955 to 1984. That is almost 30 years of continuous leading roles.
- Pan-India superstar: Her film career began with Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), Second Career with Nadodi Mannan and M.G. Ramachandran (1958). She starred in many hits with Rajkumar in Kannada, Bollywood films included Paigham (1959) and Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya (1963).
- National honours: Padma Shri in 1969, Padma Bhushan in 1992, Kalaimamani, honorary doctorate—she wore each with quiet pride.
Her departure feels like closing a golden chapter of Indian film.
Visuals From Her Bengaluru Home Stir Emotions
A short video clip shared by ANI showed visuals from outside Saroja Devi’s residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, shortly after the news of her passing was confirmed. The video captured police officers, media personnel, and mourners quietly gathering at the gate.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Veteran Kannada actor Saroja Devi passes away at 87 due to age-related illness
— ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2025
(Visuals from her residence in Bengaluru ) pic.twitter.com/jTBm1pTaMm
“Veteran Kannada actor Saroja Devi passes away at 87 due to age-related illness. (Visuals from her residence in Bengaluru)”
Untold Threads: Details no one's covered previously
- Life after acting: After she retired, Saroja Devi lived modestly and quietly ran charitable trusts and rehab centers from her home base in Bengaluru. She often facilitated health camps and tango danced, which few of the news has mentioned.
- A loyal partner: After her husband, Sri Harsha passed away in 1986, she continued to work in cinema, but not on set. She informed and mentored film artists and influenced film body organizations. This speaks to her character and love for film.
- Legend's last film connection: In 2019, Saroja Devi played a cameo role in film Natasaarvabhowma in tandem with Puneeth Rajkumar's action, which was symbolic in nature to all of the newer generation Kannada film stars.
Fans & Celebs Respond
Actor @Dalapathy_Here Posted on X:
Rest In Peace Saroja Madam 💔#SarojaDevi #DBoss pic.twitter.com/vGG8igDQZS
— Đᴀʟᴀᴘᴀᴛʜʏ (@Dalapathy_Here) July 14, 2025
What People Remember Most
- Her dignity and style - she wore 'bollywood' silk sarees, she was graceful in everything she did.
- The powerful chemistry she had on screen- 26 hits with MGR, 22 hits with Sivaji Ganesan, and numerous films with NTR and Rajkumar.
- A pathfinder for women in South Indian cinema- first female superstar in Kannada film history.
Last Thoughts
It is difficult to have your emotions all inside today. To think of her radiant smile, warming a crowded theatre, her voice weaving spells in songs and dialogues, that will always remain day on, to spur actors and audiences for generations. She was more than a star—she was a beacon.
