End of an Era: South Indian Matinee Idol B. Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87

Bengaluru | July 14:

Matinee Idol and South India’s first female superstar, B. Saroja Devi, passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, on Monday, following age-related health complications. Her demise marks the end of a glorious era in Indian cinema that celebrated her as an icon of beauty, talent, and unmatched screen presence.

Fondly known as ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ in Kannada and ‘Kannadathu Paingili’ in Tamil, Saroja Devi’s name became synonymous with grace and versatility. Over a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades, she starred in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages, leaving an indelible imprint on Indian cinema.

Saroja Devi began her journey into films at the tender age of 17, debuting with the Kannada classic Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). Her powerful performance won her immediate acclaim and set the stage for a stellar career. She became a household name with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan (1958), where she starred opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), further elevating her stature as a pan-South Indian sensation.

From her early days until the mid-1980s, she remained a dominant presence on screen — one of the few actresses to have played lead roles in 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984. Her performances in landmark films such as Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi showcased her dramatic range and deep commitment to the art of acting.

Her charisma wasn’t confined to the South alone. In Hindi cinema too, she shone brightly in films like Paigham (1959), working alongside icons such as Dilip Kumar and Shammi Kapoor. Her screen chemistry with stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Dr. Rajkumar, and MGR is etched into cinematic history.

Over the years, she was showered with prestigious honors:

• Padma Shri (1969)

• Padma Bhushan (1992)

• Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu

• Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University

• Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)

Beyond her on-screen brilliance, Saroja Devi remained actively involved in shaping Indian cinema’s future. She served as the vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and chaired the jury of the 53rd National Film Awards, reflecting her enduring influence in the industry.

Her final on-screen appearance was in the 2019 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma, reminding audiences that true legends never fade — they evolve.

In their heartfelt tributes, both Rajinikanth and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described her as a “great actress who won the hearts of millions,” and the “goddess of acting” who gave Indian cinema some of its most unforgettable moments.

As the curtain falls on her life, the light she brought to the silver screen will continue to shine for generations. B. Saroja Devi is not just mourned — she is celebrated, remembered, and revered.

May her soul rest in peace.