Veteran South Indian cinema legend B. Saroja Devi—affectionately known as Abhinaya Saraswathi (“Veda of Acting”) and Kannadathu Paingili (“Kannada’s Parrot”)—passed away at her Bengaluru residence today, July 14, 2025, due to age-related health issues. She was 87 years old, born on January 7, 1938 Vijay Karnataka+15Wikipedia+15Outlook India+15.

🎬 A Pan‑Indian Icon Spanning Five Decades
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Debut & Rise
Saroja Devi made her cinematic debut at just 17 in the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), quickly rising to fame across the South The New Indian Express+8Wikipedia+8Outlook India+8. -
Multilingual Triumphs
She appeared in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam—earning titles like Chaturbhasha Taare (Four‑Language Star) The New Indian Express+6India Today+6Outlook India+6. -
Career Milestones
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In Tamil, she solidified her status by starring opposite M.G. Ramachandran in Nadodi Mannan (1958) and delivering a series of hits The Times of India+15Outlook India+15News24+15.
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In Telugu, she lit up screens in Panduranga Mahatyam (1957), Seetarama Kalyanam (1961), among others Asianet Newsable+8Outlook India+8The New Indian Express+8.
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In Kannada, she worked with legends like Rajkumar in classics such as Kittur Chennamma and Kasturi Nivasa Rediff+2News24+2The Indian Express+2.
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Milestone Films & Last Appearance
Her final appearance was in the Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma (2019) alongside Puneeth Rajkumar Vijay Karnataka+5FilmiBeat+5Asianet Newsable+5.
🏆 Honors & Legacy
Saroja Devi garnered prestigious recognition:
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Padma Shri, 1969
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Padma Bhushan, 1992
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Kalaimamani Award, Tamil Nadu
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Honorary Doctorate, Bangalore University
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Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award, Karnataka
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NTR National Award, Andhra Pradesh The Indian Express+15The New Indian Express+15News24+15Rediff+2FilmiBeat+2NewsBytes+2
She also served as vice‑president of the Kannada Film Association and chaired the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards Rediff+7Outlook India+7NewsBytes+7.
🌟 Reflections & Tributes
Her passing has prompted heartfelt tributes across the industry:
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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah mourned her loss as deeply painful Asianet Newsable+12News24+12FilmiBeat+12The New Indian Express+3Rediff+3News24+3.
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Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar remembered her as Abhinaya Saraswathi, praising six decades of service Outlook India+10Rediff+10The Indian Express+10.
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Actor Kichcha Sudeepa paid homage, calling her “Goddess of Acting,” highlighting her timeless screen presence News24.
🕯️ End of an Era
Saroja Devi's passing today marks the end of a cinematic epoch: a female superstar who dominated South Indian film for seven decades, commanding audiences across languages, genres, and eras. Her extraordinary talent, elegance, and versatility leave behind a legacy that defined the golden age of regional Indian cinema.
Funeral rites will be held in Bengaluru next to her husband’s memorial in Kodigehalli, following Vokkaliga traditions .
📌 In Memoriam: B. Saroja Devi (1938–2025)
A pioneer, icon, and beloved figure—her journey from Mahakavi Kalidasa to becoming the first female superstar of Kannada cinema remains unmatched.
We pay tribute to her legacy and the golden era she guided with grace and mastery.
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