B. Saroja Devi, (Bangalore Saroja Devi) revered as the “Abhinaya Saraswathi” and “Kannadathu Paingili,” passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at her residence in Bengaluru. Her departure marks the end of a luminous era in South Indian cinema, where she left an indelible mark across four language industries—Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. (The Indian Express)

A Career That Spanned Four Languages and Decades

Born on January 7, 1938, in Channapatna, Karnataka, Saroja Devi began her cinematic journey at just 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). She quickly rose to fame, earning the prestigious title of Kannada cinema’s first female superstar. Over her 70-year career, she starred in more than 200 films, sharing the screen with legends like M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Dilip Kumar, and Shammi Kapoor. (The Indian Express)

Her breakthrough Tamil film with MGR, Nadodi Mannan (1958), not only solidified her pan-South Indian appeal but also helped coin her moniker “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada’s parrot). (The Star)

Honors & Cultural Impact

Saroja Devi’s artistry was recognized with India’s highest civilian honors—Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992). She also received the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani, alongside honorary degrees from prestigious universities. (The Indian Express)

Beloved by fans and colleagues, she continued acting into the late 2010s, with her final Kannada appearance in Natasaarvabhowma (2019). (The Indian Express)

Tributes Pour In

Emotional messages flooded social media following the announcement of her death:

• Maryanthan Rajinikanth: “May her soul rest in peace”—a heartfelt tribute from Kollywood’s iconic star. (ndtv.com)
• Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar shared on X: “An era of golden cinema comes to an end. Amma was the greatest of all times… We will miss her.” (ndtv.com)

State dignitaries, including Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also expressed profound condolences, applauding her vast contributions to Indian cinema. (The Indian Express)

Legacy That Will Endure

Saroja Devi’s legacy is not defined just by her filmography but by the cultural bridge she built across language boundaries. As a multilingual icon, her talent, grace, and adaptability remain an inspiration. In roles ranging from mythological heroines to emotional leads, she portrayed strength and elegance that resonated with generations.

Her passing leaves a void, but her contributions continue to inspire both artists and audiences in the South Indian film ecosystem and beyond.

Final Word

B. Saroja Devi’s death on July 14, 2025, marks the end of an iconic chapter in Indian cinematic history. Fans, filmmakers, and cultural commentators celebrate her achievements, promising that her legacy will shine through the screens and hearts of millions for years to come.