Veteran Actress Saroja Devi Passes Away At 87 Due To Age-Related Illness -

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Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: Nation Mourns the Loss of the ‘Goddess of Acting’ , Padma Bhushan awardee and silver screen legend B. Saroja Devi passes away at 87, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that spans over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Fondly hailed as Abhinaya Saraswati—the goddess of acting—she ruled Indian cinema for decades with her grace, charm, and unforgettable performances. Her demise has sent waves of grief across the film industry, with icons like Rajinikanth, Kichcha Sudeep, and countless admirers paying heartfelt tributes to the timeless star.

Regional Cinema Bids Farewell to Its Shining Star

Saroja Devi passes away at 87 on Monday, July 14, 2025, in Bengaluru, following complications from an age-related illness. A towering figure in Indian cinema, Saroja Devi’s illustrious career spanned several decades and over 200 films across four major languages—Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Her remarkable contribution to regional cinema made her a household name and a symbol of elegance and versatility on screen. From mythological dramas to romantic classics, she carved a niche as one of the most revered and beloved actresses in Indian film history.

Remembering the Rise of a Silver Screen Icon

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, leaving behind a journey that began with humble roots and blossomed into cinematic royalty. Born in Bengaluru in 1938, she made her film debut in the Kannada movie Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), which became a major hit and launched her into stardom. Her grace, expressive acting, and powerful screen presence quickly made her a favorite across South Indian cinema and beyond.

*Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: Rajkumar And B Saroja Devi In The Film Srinivasa Kalyana*

A Trailblazing Journey Through Indian Cinema

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema. She began her illustrious journey at just 17 with the hit film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), and went on to enjoy a rare 29-year run as a lead actress. From starring in Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1964)—Sandalwood’s first colour film—alongside Kalyan Kumar, to unforgettable roles in classics like Mallammana Pavada, Saroja Devi captivated generations with her grace, talent, and timeless screen presence.

Tributes Pour In for the Multilingual Legend of Indian Cinema

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, leaving a legacy that transcended language and region. From her Kannada debut in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) to timeless Tamil hits like Paasa Malar, Telugu classics like Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu, and Hindi blockbusters like Sasural, she reigned supreme across Indian cinema. As the news of her passing broke, stars like Rajinikanth, Kichcha Sudeep, and Khushbu Sundar expressed deep sorrow, calling her the true ‘goddess of acting’ and a beacon of inspiration for generations.

ಕನ್ನಡದ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಟಿ ಬಿ.ಸರೋಜಾದೇವಿ ಅವರ ನಿಧನವಾರ್ತೆ ನೋವುಂಟುಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗವು ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ತಮಿಳು, ತೆಲುಗು ಮತ್ತು ಹಿಂದಿಯ ಸುಮಾರು 200 ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿ, ಅಭಿನಯ ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಎಂದೇ ಖ್ಯಾತರಾಗಿದ್ದರು.

ಸರೋಜಾದೇವಿ ಎಂದಾಕ್ಷಣ ಕಿತ್ತೂರು ಚೆನ್ನಮ್ಮ, ಬಬ್ರುವಾಹನ, ಅಣ್ಣತಂಗಿ ಮುಂತಾದ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿನ ಅವರ ಮನೋಜ್ಞ ಅಭಿನಯ… pic.twitter.com/ZOVdrXGqlp

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 14, 2025

Saroja Devi Passes Away at 87: A Glorious Timeline Remembered Through Tributes

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, and the film fraternity stands united in grief as tributes pour in for the legendary actress. Khushbu Sundar called her “an eternal symbol of grace,” while Rajinikanth and Kichcha Sudeep hailed her as an inspiration who shaped South Indian cinema. Her career milestones speak volumes: debuting at 17 in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), she starred in Paasa Malar (1961), Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1964), and Sasural (1961), becoming one of the few actresses to conquer Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi screens. With over 200 films and a 29-year reign as a leading lady, Saroja Devi’s legacy remains unmatched.

நடிகை சரோஜா தேவி மறைவு – நடிகர் ரஜினிகாந்த் இரங்கல்#sarojadevi #Rajnikanth pic.twitter.com/XX3YpGfX4U

— PolimerTV (@polimertv) July 14, 2025

Film Fraternity Mourns the Loss of a Cinematic Icon

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, and the entire film fraternity is in mourning over the loss of one of Indian cinema’s brightest stars. Social media was flooded with heartfelt condolences from across industries. Superstar Rajinikanth called her a “true legend whose legacy will live forever,” while Kichcha Sudeep expressed sorrow at the passing of “a timeless symbol of elegance and talent.” Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar paid tribute by calling her “the pride of Indian cinema.” From young stars to veteran directors, the emotional tributes reflect the immense respect and love she earned throughout her unparalleled career.

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. Such a lovable adorable soul she was. Had a great rapport with her. My trip to Bengaluru was incomplete without… pic.twitter.com/gj8bQt0glq

— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) July 14, 2025

Stars Share Heartfelt Tributes on Social Media

Saroja Devi passes away at 87, and social media platforms lit up with heartfelt messages from stars and fans alike. Rajinikanth wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the passing of Saroja Devi madam. A legend whose contributions to cinema will never be forgotten.” Kichcha Sudeep posted, “An era ends. Her grace, poise, and screen presence will always be remembered.” Khushbu Sundar shared a nostalgic photo with the caption, “She was our pride, our icon, our Abhinaya Saraswati. Rest in peace, queen.” These moving posts reflect not just grief, but reverence for a woman who defined generations of cinema.