Chennai (National Times): Indian cinema has lost one of its most iconic stars. Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi, affectionately known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi,” breathed her last on Monday morning at the age of 87. A legendary presence in the South Indian film industry, Saroja Devi’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, with more than 200 films to her credit across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
Saroja Devi made her debut at the age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. Her rise to fame was meteoric, especially after her role opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in the 1958 Tamil classic Nadodi Mannan, which established her as a household name and marked the beginning of a golden era in Tamil cinema.
Following Nadodi Mannan, she became MGR’s on-screen lucky charm, appearing alongside him in 26 films — many of them blockbuster hits. Their pairing became synonymous with success in Tamil cinema, with audiences flocking to theatres to witness their chemistry.
Her talents transcended regional boundaries as she entered Hindi cinema with Paigham (1959), starring opposite the legendary Dilip Kumar. She went on to deliver memorable performances in films like Sasural, Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, and Beti Bete, sharing the screen with greats such as Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Sunil Dutt.
Saroja Devi remains one of the few actresses to achieve stardom across four major Indian film industries. Between 1955 and 1984, she played the lead heroine in an unmatched 161 films — a world record for a female lead.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Padma Shri (1969)
- Padma Bhushan (1992)
- Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government
- Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University
Her contributions extended beyond acting, as she became a symbol of grace, perseverance, and artistic excellence. With her passing, Indian cinema bids farewell to a true legend whose work helped shape the very fabric of the industry.
B. Saroja Devi’s name will forever echo through the golden halls of Indian film history. Her performances, elegance, and legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and cinema lovers alike.
