B Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: Indian Cinema Mourns the Loss of Legendary Actress ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’
Meta Description:
Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, revered across South Indian cinema and honoured with Padma Bhushan, has passed away at the age of 87. Read her full obituary and legacy tribute.
B Saroja Devi Obituary and Death – The Indian film fraternity and millions of admirers across the nation are mourning the loss of B Saroja Devi, the iconic actress fondly known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (Goddess of Acting). She passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 87, at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, following complications related to age.
Her passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cinema—one defined by elegance, grace, and unmatched versatility. With a career spanning over seven decades and more than 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, B Saroja Devi wasn’t just an actress; she was a cultural institution.
A Storied Career
Born in 1937, B Saroja Devi made her silver screen debut in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. Her rise was meteoric. By the 1960s, she had become one of the most sought-after leading ladies in South Indian cinema, known for her expressive acting, classical beauty, and commanding screen presence.
Her filmography reads like a history of South Indian cinema:
-
Kittur Chennamma
-
Babruvahana
-
Anna Thangi
-
Bhakta Kanakadasa
-
Kasturi Nivasa
-
Bale Bangaara
-
Nadodi Mannan
-
Panduranga Mahatyam
-
Thirumanam
-
Karpoora Karasi
Even in her later years, she remained deeply respected and occasionally appeared onscreen, with her last appearance in the 2019 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma.
Her artistry was recognized nationally with the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, making her one of the earliest female superstars to receive both honours.
Tributes Pour In
The news of her death has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow actors, and public officials alike.
Actress Khushbu Sundar expressed her sorrow on X (formerly Twitter):
“An era of golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi Amma was the greatest of all time. No other female actor in the South has ever enjoyed the fame and love she did. Such a lovable, adorable soul she was… Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also paid tribute:
“The very mention of Saroja Devi brings to mind her graceful performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi. Her passing marks a tremendous loss for Indian cinema. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family and fans.”
Social media has been flooded with memories, iconic stills, and heartfelt messages. One fan wrote,
“An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma’s passing. A timeless legend, forever in our hearts. Om Shanti.”
A Lasting Legacy
What set B Saroja Devi apart was her ability to move seamlessly between genres and languages while commanding the same level of reverence and admiration across the board. From mythological epics and historical dramas to romantic sagas and family-centric narratives, she brought dignity and dimension to every character she portrayed.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, she was also known for her philanthropy and her efforts to support women in the film industry. Offscreen, she carried herself with the same poise and grace that defined her performances.
Final Farewell
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family soon, with a state tribute expected in Bengaluru to honour her legacy. In the meantime, the house in Malleswaram where she lived her final days has become a place of pilgrimage for those wanting to say goodbye to a woman who symbolised the golden era of Indian cinema.
B Saroja Devi’s light may have dimmed, but her influence will continue to shine through generations of actors and storytellers who follow in her path.