Saroja Devi Funeral: Paying Last Respects at Her Malleswaram Residence

Veteran Indian actress B. Saroja Devi, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, passed away on 14 July 2025 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru due to age-related ailments at the age of 87. The film fraternity and fans across the country mourned the loss of this iconic actress, who was fondly known as "Kannadathu Paingili" (Kannada's Parrot) in Tamil cinema and "Abhinaya Saraswathi" (Saraswathi of expressions) in Kannada.

Her last rites will be performed in her native village Dhashavara in Channapatna taluk of Mandya district on July 15, 2025.

On the day of her passing, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, along with many other dignitaries and fans, paid their last respects at her residence in Malleswaram, marking a solemn moment for the Kannada and South Indian film industries.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences on X, highlighting her significant contribution to Indian cinema. "The news of the death of veteran Kannada actress B Saroja Devi is painful. She acted in about 200 Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada language films and was known as Abhinaya Saraswati," he stated.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also took to X to bid farewell to 'Abhinaya Saraswathi'. He noted that her contributions extended beyond Kannada cinema, impacting Indian cinema as a whole. "A loving farewell to Abhinaya Saraswathi," he tweeted.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai praised Saroja Devi for her roles in mythological and historical films, particularly highlighting her portrayal of Kittur Chennamma. He remarked that she was a household name among Kannadigas and one of India's greatest actresses.

Tributes Pour In for a Legendary Actress

Superstar Rajinikanth also shared his sorrow on X, stating, "The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace." His message reflects the deep impact she had on audiences across generations.

Khushbu Sundar paid homage by saying that a golden era of cinema has ended with Saroja Devi's passing. She described her as the greatest female actor in South India and cherished their personal rapport. "An era gold golden cinema comes to an end. #SarojaDevi amma was the greatest of all times . No other female actor in south has ever enjoyed the name and fame as her," she wrote.

A Glorious Cinematic Journey

Born on 7 January 1938 in Bangalore, Saroja Devi rose to fame as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema. She made her debut at the age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada. Over her illustrious career spanning more than seven decades, she acted in around 200 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages.

Her breakthrough in Tamil cinema came with Nadodi Mannan (1958), starring opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), which established her as one of the top actresses in Tamil Nadu. She was known for her versatility and was the only Indian actress to play the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films from 1955 to 1984.

Contributions Beyond Cinema

Settled in Bangalore, Saroja Devi was deeply involved in social work. She organized numerous donation camps in memory of her husband and mother and actively participated in charitable trusts, rehabilitation centers, and health programs. Her last film appearance was in Natasaarvabhowma (2019), reflecting her enduring passion for cinema even in her later years.

Honours and Legacy

Saroja Devi received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, recognizing her immense contributions to Indian cinema. She was also conferred an honorary doctorate by Bangalore University and received the Kalaimamani award from Tamil Nadu.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, with tributes pouring in from actors, politicians, and fans nationwide. Legendary actors like Rajinikanth and Khushbu Sundar expressed their grief, highlighting her unmatched legacy and the affection she garnered throughout her career.

Family and Personal Life

Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha, an engineer with Bharat Electronics, in 1967. He played a crucial role in supporting her career and personal life, especially during financial difficulties. After his death in 1986, she took a brief hiatus from acting but later returned to the screen in character roles.

She had a daughter, Bhuvaneshwari, whom she had adopted (as cited by wikipedia), and two grandchildren. In memory of her daughter, who passed away young, Saroja Devi sponsors the Bhuvaneshwari Award for literature, continuing her family's legacy of philanthropy.

Saroja Devi's funeral rites are being held in Bengaluru, with the film industry and fans paying homage to a true icon whose work and spirit transcended generations. Her life remains a shining example of artistic excellence and humanitarian commitment.