Who Was Saroja Devi? Actress Who Died At 87 Was Kannada Cinema's First Woman Superstar

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B Saroja Devi, legendary Indian actress, passed away at 87 in Bengaluru. Known for Kannada and Tamil cinema, she starred in 161 films.
The lights have dimmed on one of Indian cinema's brightest stars. B Saroja Devi passed away at the age of 87 in Bengaluru. Her death leaves behind a huge void in cinema. Saroja Devi was more than just a famous face. She was one of the very first women to carry films on her shoulders at a time when very few were allowed that space. Saroja Devi's entry into cinema began early. At the age of 13, she was first noticed by filmmaker B.R. Krishnamurthy while singing at a public event. She had declined the offer then.
She made her debut at just 17 in the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), and her performance was so powerful, it won her a National Award. That was just the beginning of a career that would inspire generations.
She went on to deliver powerful performances in several beloved Kannada films, including Kittur Chennamma, Anna Thamma, Bhakta Kanakadasa, Bale Bangara, Nagakannike, Bettada Hoovu, and the iconic Kasturi Nivasa. These films not only showcased her range as an actress but also cemented her place as a true legend in Kannada cinema.
With the success of Nadodi Mannan in 1958, alongside M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), she became a household name in Tamil cinema too. And from there, she never looked back. She gave us unforgettable films like Kittur Chennamma, Mallammana Pavada, and Amarashilpi Jakanachari. The Tamil film Nadodi Mannan (1958) made her one of the top actresses in Tamil cinema.
After the massive success of Nadodi Mannan, Saroja Devi quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses in Tamil cinema. She starred opposite the top heroes of that era—Gemini Ganesan in Kalyana Parisu (1959), Sivaji Ganesan in Bhaaga Pirivinai (1959), and once again with M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in Thirudadhe (1961). Her association with Tamil films only grew stronger, with back-to-back hits like Palum Pazhamum (1961), Aalayamani (1962), Periya Idathu Penn (1963), Puthiya Paravai (1964), Panakkara Kudumbam (1964), Enga Veetu Pillai (1965), and Anbe Vaa (1966).
Saroja Devi was often referred to as a 'lucky mascot" for MGR films, thanks to the phenomenal success of their collaborations. The two went on to work together in 26 films—a rare and iconic pairing in Indian cinema.
Her success wasn't limited to Tamil cinema. In Kannada, she was already making waves with notable films like Chintamani (1957), School Master (1958), and Jagajyothi Basveshwara (1959). One of her most celebrated performances came in Kittooru Rani Chennamma (1961), where she played a fierce and patriotic queen who stood up against British rule. Her portrayal earned widespread praise.
In 1964, Saroja Devi starred alongside Kalyan Kumar in Amarashilpi Jakanachaari, which made history as the first full-length Kannada film in colour.
Kannada's 1st woman superstar!
Saroja Devi holds the rare distinction of being the only Indian actress to have played the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films over a span of 29 years, from 1955 to 1984. Her remarkable contributions to cinema were recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992 – two of India's highest civilian awards. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Bangalore University and received the Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamil Nadu for her outstanding work in the arts.
Personal life
B. Saroja Devi was born on 7 January 1938 in Bangalore, then part of the Mysore State (now Karnataka), into a Vokkaliga family. Her father, Bhairappa, served as a police officer, while her mother, Rudramma, was a homemaker. Saroja Devi was the fourth daughter in the family. It was her father who recognised her talent early on and encouraged her to learn classical dance, eventually guiding her towards a career in films. He would often accompany her to studios, tying on her salangais before performances and gently massaging her sore feet after long hours of dancing ;
Her mother, on the other hand, maintained a strict sense of decorum for her daughter's public image. She laid down clear boundaries: no swimsuits and no sleeveless blouses — rules Saroja Devi respectfully followed throughout her career, even as a major film star.
On 1 March 1967, B. Saroja Devi married Sri Harsha, an engineer who worked with Bharat Electronics, a public sector enterprise. At the time of their marriage, Saroja Devi was reportedly facing financial difficulties and issues with income tax. Sri Harsha played a pivotal role in helping her navigate those challenges. He guided her through financial management and stood by her as a strong support system during a tough phase in her life.
Unlike many women of her time who stepped away from the spotlight after marriage, Saroja Devi continued acting — thanks in part to her husband's encouragement. In an interview, when asked how she was able to continue acting even after marriage despite her mother's traditional expectations, she shared, 'Dilip Kumar once said he has asked Saira Banu not to stop acting. The story was mentioned by Rajesh Khanna to my husband Sri Harsha, not to stop me from acting."
Their marriage remained strong until Sri Harsha's passing in 1986, after a prolonged illness.
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