End of an Era for the ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ of Indian Cinema
Bengaluru, July 14, 2025 — The film world mourns the loss of B. Saroja Devi, revered as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” and “Kannadathu Paingili,” who passed away peacefully at her Malleswaram residence in Bengaluru on Monday due to age-related ailments. She was 87.
A Legendary Career Spanning Six Decades
Launching her acting journey at just 17 with the 1955 Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, Saroja Devi swiftly became a household name. Over her illustrious career, she starred in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, including iconic projects like Nadodi Mannan alongside MGR
Superstar with Record-Breaking Legacy
She carved a unique place in Indian cinema history:
- Dubbed Kannada’s first female superstar
- Holds the record for 161 consecutive lead roles between 1955–1984
- Awarded Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992) for her service to the arts
Nation Pays Tribute to a Timeless Icon
Condolences poured in from Bollywood to regional film industries. Actress Khushbu Sundar penned on X: “An era of golden cinema ends… Saroja Devi amma was the greatest of all time … Will miss her immensely.” Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah echoed the sentiment, calling her passing “a tremendous loss for Indian cinema
Her Enduring Impact
B. Saroja Devi’s legacy transcends generations. With her expressive performances, versatility in languages, and stellar onscreen pairings—especially with legends like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and NTR—she set a new benchmark for female stardom in Indian cinema.
As the curtains close on her life, her performances will continue to inspire and enchant audiences for generations to come.