Latest news with #B.SarojaDevi
The Hindu
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — July 16, 2025
Inflation down In India, the dark reality at the ground level is that ordinary people do not find food prices dropping for most items even when reports say inflation has come down (Page 1, July 15). The inflation rates released by the government are perhaps useful only for the upward or the downward revision of the DA of government employees. Kosaraju Chandramouli, Hyderabad Saroja Devi An era ends in Indian cinema with the passing of actor B. Saroja Devi. She was a towering figure in Indian cinema and one of South Indian cinema's most iconic and beloved female actors, who mesmerised generations of audiences with her acting brilliance. She leaves behind a monumental legacy that shaped the golden era of South Indian films. Ramesh G. Jethwani, Bengaluru Indian cinema has lost one of its finest and most elegant actors. She was a blend of talent, beauty and grace. One of India's early pan-India heroines, she will be remembered for her screen presence. The saris and jewellery that she wore in films became a trend and style in those days. She will live on in our hearts. M. Pradyu, Kannur Kerala The void will be difficult to fill. The Tamil film fraternity has lost a commanding artist. B. Saroja Devi remained an artist till her retirement from the tinsel world, with her domineering presence and mature acting. Mani Nataraajan, Chennai
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Remembering B. Saroja Devi: A timeless multilingual film icon
B. Saroja Devi , known for her legendary work in regional cinema, passed away at the age of 87 on Monday (July 14, 2025). The veteran actor, who breathed her last in Bengaluru, was reported to have been suffering from age-related illness. Hailed as the first superstar of Kannada cinema, Saroja Devi debuted with the 1955 movie Mahakavi Kalidasa. In Tamil, she starred alongside the great actors of yesteryears — particularly the two top heroes, M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Sivaji Ganesan — and dominated the field for decades. Though Saroja Devi largely navigated between Tamil and Kannada cinema, she made her presence felt considerably in Telugu cinema. She played the titular character in the 1966 film Shakuntala, was cast as Mandodari in Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam (1961) and Subhadra in Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963). The news of her death cast a spell of gloom, drawing reactions from members of the film fraternity and fans. CM Siddaramaiah announced that her final rites would be conducted with full State honours. Here is a list of stories about the actor's stellar career and reactions from the world of Indian cinema.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
B. Saroja Devi's demise: CM Siddaramaiah pays tribute; announces state honours for final rites
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Veteran Indian actress B. Saroja Devi , a beloved icon of Indian cinema , passed away at the age of 87 at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru on July 14. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that her final rites would be conducted with full state honours. — siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) 'I had met her several times in the past' In a heartfelt statement shared on Twitter, the Chief Minister recalled his many encounters with the actress over the years, describing her as a warm and affectionate individual with a remarkable presence. 'I had met her several times in the past. Wherever we met, she always spoke with great affection and warmth. She was an actress with a wonderful personality,' he said, adding that discussions are underway to name 11th Cross in Malleswaram after her. Legendary South Indian actor B. Saroja Devi dies at 87 Siddaramaiah's Tweet completely read, "I paid my final respects to the mortal remains of the legendary multilingual actress B. Saroja Devi, who passed away in Bengaluru yesterday. B. Saroja Devi was a towering figure in Indian cinema. An exceptional actress, she shone as a star across five languages — Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and more — earning admiration for her versatility and grace. 'I have watched many of her iconic films like 'Mallammana Pavada', 'Kittur Chennamma'' He further wrote, "I had the opportunity to meet Saroja Devi multiple times. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo She always spoke warmly and affectionately with everyone. She carried herself with immense dignity and grace. I have watched many of her iconic films like 'Mallammana Pavada', 'Kittur Chennamma', 'Bhagyavantharu', 'Babruvahana', and 'Nyayave Devaru'. Her passing is a deep loss to the entire film industry. She entered the world of cinema at a young age and remained an artist for over seven decades. She was conferred the title 'Abhinava Saraswati' early in her career. She acted alongside legendary actors across all major film industries — including Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Dev Anand, M.G.R., N.T.R., Sivaji Ganesan, and Dr. Rajkumar." He added, "Saroja Devi brought life to every role she played. Even in her personal life, she was known for her disciplined and principled lifestyle. She made immense contributions to the growth of Kannada cinema. Her passing is a profound loss to the industry. I pray that her soul may rest in peace, and may her family find the strength to bear this loss. Her final rites will be performed with full state honours in her hometown. I will be discussing the renaming of the street she lived on in her honour with the Greater Bengaluru authority." PM Modi - Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the late actress. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: 'Saddened by the passing of the noted film personality, B. Saroja Devi Ji. She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. Her works, spanning different languages and covering diverse themes, highlighted her versatile nature. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.'
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Saroja Devi: An epitome of graceful versatility
Bengaluru: Oneof Indian cinema's most celebrated actresses, B. Saroja Devi, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. Fondly referred to as Abhinaya Saraswathi for her expressive performances, the legendary artiste breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. According to family sources, the actress collapsed early in the morning and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead around 8:30 AM. Her final rites will be held on Tuesday, July 15. The demise of B. Saroja Devi marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. A towering figure in the film industries of Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, she was not just a popular screen presence but a cultural icon across South India and beyond. Her prolific career spanned more than six decades, during which she starred in over200 filmsin five languages. Early beginnings and rise to stardom Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, B. Saroja Devi made her acting debut at the tender age of 17 in the 1955 Kannada film 'Mahakavi Kalidasa', produced by the legendary Honnappa Bhagavathar. Her radiant beauty, emotive expressions, and classical poise soon earned her lead roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, where she became one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1960s and 1970s. In Tamil, she shot to fame with films like 'Thirudadhe', 'Kalyana Parisu', and the magnum opus 'Periya Idathu Penn'. She formed a much-loved on-screen pair with stalwarts such as M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) in Telugu. In Hindi cinema, she appeared opposite icons like Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor, notably in films such as 'Sasural', 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya', and 'Beti Bete'. Graceful versatility Known for her versatile portrayals of everything from mythological characters to modern romantic heroines, Saroja Devi captivated audiences with her elegance and strong screen presence. Whether essaying the role of a devoted wife, a spirited young woman, or a tragic heroine, her performances resonated across generations. Her long association with filmmakers like B.R. Panthulu and A. Bhimsingh led to a string of commercial and critical hits. In Kannada cinema, she starred in several classics including 'Sri Krishnadevaraya', 'Kittur Chennamma', and 'Bhakta Kanakadasa'. Recognition and legacy B. Saroja Devi was honoured with numerous awards over the years, including the Padma Bhushan in 1992 for her contribution to Indian cinema. She also received state honours like the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and was the recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards, both in the South and in Hindi. Apart from her acting, Saroja Devi remained active in social service and public life. She served as the chairperson of the Karnataka Film Development Corporation and was also a member of the Central Film Censor Board. Condolences pour in Tributes have been pouring in from across the political and film fraternities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling her 'a legendary artiste whose contributions enriched Indian cinema across languages.' Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also mourned her demise, highlighting her role in shaping Kannada and South Indian cinema. A Star Eternal Despite stepping away from films in the later years, B. Saroja Devi remained a revered name, with her body of work continuing to inspire actors and filmmakers. She is survived by her extended family and countless admirers. As the curtains fall on one of Indian cinema's brightest stars, the legacy of B. Saroja Devi endures — not just in celluloid, but in the hearts of millions who grew up watching her grace the silver screen with poise, depth, and dignity.
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ramchander Rao mourns death of legendary actress B Saroja Devi
Hyderabad: BJP Telangana State President N. Ramchander Rao expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary actress B. Saroja Devi, calling it a huge loss to the South Indian film industry. In a statement on Monday, Rao said, 'The news of the death of B. Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions with her excellent acting and extraordinary performances in the Telugu film industry and other South Indian languages, is deeply saddening. I express my heartfelt condolences.' Saroja Devi, widely celebrated as 'Abhinaya Saraswati', acted alongside stalwarts like N.T. Rama Rao (NTR), Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and Sivaji Ganesan, carving a unique identity for herself over a career that spanned more than four decades. She acted in over 200 films, leaving a lasting impact on Telugu and South Indian cinema. Rao highlighted her iconic roles in films such as Kitturu Rani Chennamma, Bhukailas, and Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddha, which remain etched in the memory of audiences. He noted that it is a matter of pride for the nation that the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Bhushan (1992) in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema. 'I pray that her soul rests in peace and offer my condolences to her family and fans during this time of grief,' Rao said.
