B Saroja Devi, a name that needs no introduction to the South Indian audience, was one of the most successful actresses. Known as the ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’, Saroja Devi was an icon pan-India. In a career spanning over seven decades, Saroja is the only Indian actress to play a lead role in 161 consecutive films for 29 years.
Born in Bangalore, Saroja was encouraged by her father to take up acting. She made her acting debut at the age of 17 in the Kannada film, Mahakavi Kalidasa. However, it was her role in Nadodi Mannan, which made her one of the most popular actresses in Tamil cinema. Saroja has acted in more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
From films like Amarashilpi Jakanachari to Kalyana Parisu and Panduranga Mahatyam, Saroja Devi was the face of versatility in Indian cinema. The actress breathed her last on July 14, 2025 and bid adieu to the world at the age of 87. She had been suffering from age-related health issues. As the world lays her to rest, let us read on to know more details about her.
Saroja Devi made her Bollywood debut with Dilip Kumar
Affectionately called the Kannadathu Paingili, Saroja Devi has acted in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. One of the most promising actresses of her time, Saroja made her Bollywood debut with Hindi cinema’s superstar, Dilip Kumar, in the film Paigam in 1959. She went on to act with many leading Bollywood actors like Rajendra Kumar in Sasural (1961), Sunil Dutt in Beti Bete (1964) and Shammi Kapoor in Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963).
Saroja Devi’s pan-India stardom
Saroja Devi had 26 back-to-back hit films with MGR and 22 back-to-back hits with Sivaji Ganesan. She had the cult status of a true pan-India star. With every hit film, she was considered equal to her heroes.
In an era where actresses debate about pay parity, Saroja was paid equally to her heroes. She also taught women to be financially independent. Apart from films, Saroja was a fashion icon too, as many women would copy her sarees, blouses, jewellery, hairstyle and other mannerisms.
Saroja Devi was the highest-paid actress even after her marriage
Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha, an engineer, in 1967, and he became the biggest support system in her life. He helped her manage her finances and also supported her acting career. When an actress gets married, her career is considered finished, but in Saroja’s case, it was the opposite. She continued to be the highest-paid actress in Kannada and Telugu films.
After her marriage, Saroja was asked to stop acting by her mother, but the actress didn’t do so. Citing how her husband was convinced that she should act, Saroja once told a leading publication:
“Dilip Kumar once said he has asked Saira Banu to not to stop acting. The story was mentioned by Rajesh Khanna to my husband, Sri Harsha, not to stop me from acting.”
Apart from films, Saroja Devi chaired film juries at the 45th National Film Awards and 53rd National Film Awards. She also served as the vice-president of Kannada Chalanachitra Sangha and also served as the chairperson of Karnataka Film Development Corporation. Saroja Devi was also involved with various charitable trusts, rehabilitation centres and health programs.
Saroja Devi was not just an on-screen icon but a mother figure to many leading stars. Her death has left behind a huge void in cinema.
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