Did B Saroja Devi leave an enduring legacy? Rajinikanth, Khushbu Sundar and others mourn the passing of a legendary South actress

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- B. Saroja Devi was an iconic actress in South Indian cinema.
- She passed away at the age of 87 due to health complications.
- Her debut film won her a National Award.
- She starred in over 200 films across multiple languages.
- Tributes from prominent figures highlight her impact on the industry.
Mumbai, July 14 (NationPress) The iconic South Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, celebrated for her performances in various languages, has sadly passed away at the age of 87 due to health complications associated with aging.
According to recent reports, Saroja Devi was found unresponsive in her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was quickly rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead. The news of her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, honoring the substantial impact she had on Indian cinema and the rich legacy she leaves behind.
Famed actor Rajinikanth shared his sorrow on social media, stating, “The legendary actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of countless fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace. #SarojaDevi.”
Khushbu Sundar, a renowned actress and politician, also expressed her feelings through a poignant post on X. Alongside a monochrome photograph, she wrote, “An era of golden cinema has come to a close. #SarojaDevi amma was truly one of the greatest. No other female actor in the South has ever matched her fame and adoration. She was such a beloved and delightful person. My visits to Bengaluru were never complete without seeing her, and she always reached out when I was in Chennai. I will miss her deeply. Rest in peace, Amma. Om Shanti #SarojaDevi.”
Veteran actress Madhoo Shah, previously known as Madhubala, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to B. Saroja Devi, affectionately nicknamed Kannadathu Paingili (the parrot of Kannada). Shah wrote a touching note, stating, “Rest in peace, Saroja Devi Amma. Your beautiful face reminds me of my own Amma, who had dreams of being an actress, dreams that remained unfulfilled. I feel that I am living out my mother’s aspirations as an artist. Your face evokes memories of my mother’s life, with fulfilled and unfulfilled dreams alike. You were my mother’s idol and inspiration.”
Saroja Devi embarked on her cinematic journey at the tender age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955, a performance that earned her a National Award and initiated a remarkable career.
Recognized as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema, she subsequently became a significant figure in the Indian film industry, featuring in over 200 films spanning Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.