South Indian Cinema Loses Its First Female Superstar: B Saroja Devi Dies at 87

The curtains have dropped on one of the most glamorous careers in Indian cinema. B Saroja Devi, who is considered the first female superstar of the Kannada movie industry and the idol of South Indian movie fans, died on Monday morning at her Malleswaram home in the city. She was 87 years of age.

And the veteran actress who had been struggling with age-related ailments breathed her last around 9 AM after she was treated at a city-based private hospital. She was a symbol who fell with the passing of the era of cinematic brilliance of more than 60 years.

Saroja Devi was born in Bengaluru to a police officer, Bhairappa and a housewife, Rudramma, on January 7, 1938, and the history of her destined love affair with cinema started early. She was just 17 when, in 1955, she appeared in the Kannada classic Mahakavi Kalidas, which would herald an unprecedented career.

She achieved this breakthrough in three years when she was cast in the movie Nadodi Mannan (1958) in which she appeared with the star, M.G. Ramachandran. It was a Tamil movie which made her a star and a household name in Tamil Nadu. This team-up effort was so successful that she became the first lady to have an unprecedented association with MGR, featuring in 26 consecutive blockbusters, including such great movies as Thaai Sollai Thathadhe, Thaayai Katha Thanayan and Needhi Pin Pasam.

What set Saroja Devi apart was not just her versatility but her consistency. She holds the remarkable distinction of playing lead roles in 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984 – a record that remains unmatched in Indian cinema history. Her ability to seamlessly transition between languages and genres made her a sought-after actress across the South Indian film industry.

Her collaboration with another Tamil cinema giant, Sivaji Ganesan, was equally successful, yielding 22 consecutive hits including "Thangamalai Ragasiyam," "Sabaash Meena," and "Engal Kudumbam Perisu." In Telugu cinema, she found great success alongside N.T. Rama Rao in films like "Seetarama Kalyanam" and "Jagadeka Veeruni Katha."

The actress didn't limit herself to South Indian cinema alone. She made notable appearances in Bollywood films such as "Paigham," "Opera House," "Sasural," and "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya," showcasing her pan-Indian appeal.

Saroja Devi's contributions to cinema extended far beyond her acting prowess. Known by endearing titles like "Abhinaya Saraswathi" and "Kannadathu Paingili" (Kannada's Parrot), she was a cultural icon who influenced fashion trends of the 1960s. Her saris, jewellery, and hairstyles became the gold standard for elegance.

Her dedication to the film industry was recognised through numerous accolades. She received the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, among India's highest civilian honours. The Tamil Nadu government honoured her with the Kalaimamani Award, and Bangalore University conferred an honorary doctorate upon her.

Personal tragedy struck in 1986 when her husband, Sri Harsha, passed away, but Saroja Devi faced this loss with characteristic dignity. She continued to contribute to cinema by mentoring young artists and supporting film development initiatives. She served as vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha and chaired the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards.

Her last significant film appearance was opposite MGR in "Arasa Kattalai" (1967), though she continued to make occasional appearances in later years.

As tributes pour in from across the film industry and beyond, B Saroja Devi's legacy stands as a testament to the golden age of Indian cinema. She was not just an actress but a cultural ambassador who brought grace, talent, and unwavering dedication to every role she portrayed. Her influence on generations of actors and filmmakers will endure long after the final credits have rolled.