Latest news with #BSarojaDevi
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Doe-eyed beauty who held audience in thrall
CHENNAI: Legendary actor B Saroja Devi, the doe-eyed 'Abhinaya Saraswati' who held the southern film industries in thrall, passed away at her residence in Bengaluru early on Monday due to age-related health issues. She was 87. Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Saroja Devi was encouraged by her parents, especially by her father, a police officer, to learn dance, which eventually opened the doors to the silver screen, and she made her debut in national award-winning Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. In a career spanning seven decades and over 200 films, she ruled hearts across languages —Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. While being active in multiple languages was quite normal in those days, the hallmark of her career was her stellar success in each of these industries. She had an enviable number of superhits with repeated pairings opposite the legends of various industries, including MG Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, and Gemini Ganesan in Tamil, Dr Rajkumar in Kannada, and N T Rama Rao in Telugu. But it was in Tamil cinema that she shone the brightest, particularly alongside M G Ramachandran (MGR), the iconic superstar, former CM and founder of the AIADMK, who considered her his 'lucky mascot'. They acted in 26 films together and their very first film, Nadodi Mannan (1958), catapulted the 'Kannadathu Paingli' (Kannada's parrot) to superstardom overnight. Some of their other films like Anbe Vaa (1966) and Arasa Kattalai (1967) have been celebrated as cult classics. Her well-known films with legendary Sivaji Ganesan included Bhaaga Pirivinai (1959), Palum Pazhamum (1961), and Aalayamani (1962). She had starred with Sivaji Ganesan in 22 movies. Her notable works in other languages included Amarashilpi Jakanachari, Bhagyavantharu, Babruvahana, and Katha Sangama in Kannada.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Veteran actor B Saroja Devi passes away
Bengaluru: Veteran actor B Saroja Devi passed away on Monday following age-related illness. She breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. She was 87. Known as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi', B Saroja Devi made her silver screen debut in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa. In a career spanning more than seven decades, she appeared in over 200 movies across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. Some of her notable works include Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, Anna Thangi, Bhakta Kanakadasa, Bale Bangaara, Naagakannike, Bettada Hoovu, Kasturi Nivasa, Nadodi Mannan, Karpoora Karasi, Panduranga Mahatyam, and Thirumanam. She was last seen in the Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma. B Saroja Devi was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. Celebrities, politicians and fans took to social media to mourn the demise of Saroja Devi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and other political leaders expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the veteran actress. '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. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti,' Modi wrote in his tribute. Siddaramaiah posted on his X handle, 'The news of the passing of Saroja Devi is deeply saddening. Her passing marks a tremendous loss for Indian cinema. I pray that her soul rests in peace."
Deccan Herald
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Saroja Devi: A star who reigned in five languages
B Saroja Devi, who died at 87 on Monday, was a legend of Indian cinema, celebrated for her versatility and expressive acting.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Abhinaya Saraswathi' B Saroja Devi passes away
Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, hailed as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema and popularly known as Abhinaya Saraswathi (Saraswathi of expressions), passed away on Monday at the age of 87. She died due to age-related ailments at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. Saroja Devi got her first break at just 17 years old with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) – a film which won her a National Award. Introduced to Tamil cinema in 1957 by BR Panthulu, she went on to rule the industry. The Padma awardee acted in over 200 films across four languages — Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema . She also acted alongside leading stars such as Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, NT Rama Rao and Rajkumar. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. I called her Sundaramoorthi: Bharathi Vishnuvardhan I grew up watching B Saroja Devi and was always in awe of her on-screen brilliance. So when I finally got the chance to work with her and share screen space, it was nothing short of a fan girl moment. Up until then, I had only watched Saroja Devi on screen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Các chỉ số toàn cầu đang biến động — Đã đến lúc giao dịch! IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo So I was thrilled to meet her on the sets of our first film together called Nadodi in 1967, in which we acted alongside MGR. I remember being instantly struck by her beautiful face. By the time we finished the film, I got to witness firsthand the consummate artiste that she was. We went on to star in many more films after that. By then, we had also become close family friends. My bond with her continued, and to date, we would often meet at each other's homes, social events or connect over the phone. Two months ago, I suddenly felt that I must visit Sarojamma and spend time with her. So my daughter Keerthi and I went to her home. She had intense pain in her hand and preferred spending time in her comfort space by then. We spoke for a long time and indulged in our usual banter. I would fondly call her Sundaramoorthi because Saroja Devi's face was so…ethereal and beautiful. She was made for the screen. I'm glad she gave us her precious time before moving to the next realm. A star across languages... B Saroja Devi's fluency and captivating presence made her a true pan-Indian phenomenon, bridging regional film industries long before it became common. The veteran actress holds the distinction of having been a lead actress for 29 years and has starred along Kalyan Kumar in Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1964), the first colour film in Kannada cinema. Some of her notable Kannada films include Mallammana Pavada (1969), Nyayave Devaru (1971). Her Tamil film with another legendary actor and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MG Ramachandran, Nadodi Mannan (1958) made her one of the top actresses of Tamil cinema. She was fondly called Kannadathu Paingili (Kannada's parrot) in Tamil. l Saroja Devi also found success in Telugu cinema, starring opposite NT Rama Rao in Seetarama Kalyanam (1961) and Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961), as well as Daagudu Moothalu (1964). Her collaborations with Akkineni Nageswara Rao include films like Amara Shilpi Jakkanna (1964), and Rahasyam (1967) In Hindi cinema, her hits included Paigham (1959), Sasural (1960), Opera House (1961), Hong Kong (1962), Pareeksha (1963) and Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963), showcasing her versatility and reach across the diverse landscape of Indian cinema.
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
A star beyond language and region: Legendary actor Saroja Devi dies
'Kappa, nimageke kodabeku kappa (Royalty, why should we pay the royalty)', the iconic dialogue by actor B Saroja Devi, playing freedom fighter Kittur Chennamma in the 1961 film by the same name, established her as one of the leading female stars of Kannada cinema. Only 23-year-old then, the young actor went on to become a legend in not just Kannada, but also Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. B Saroja Devi, 87, died on Monday at her residence in Malleswaram following age-related illness. The doe-eyed beauty with over 200 films to her credit was one of the first Kannada actors to act in other language movies opposite biggest stars of that time. Saroja Devi was always up for learning new things, so much so that she opened her Instagram account at the age of 83 years (in 2021). Following her death, who's who of the film industry and political world took to social media to convey their condolences. Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture. 'Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations.' Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called her 'Abhinaya Saraswati' and said her departure is a great loss to the Indian cinema. Superstars Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Khushbu Sundar and others remembered her as a great artist who lived beyond the boundaries of 'language and region'. Born in a Vokkaliga family with her roots in Mandya district, Saroja Devi was the daughter of a police officer, Bhairappa. In those days, when women were not encouraged to act in movies, Bhairappa supported Saroja Devi to make her debut at the age of 17 opposite Dr Rajkumar, who went on to become another Kannada superstar, in 'Mahakavi Kalidasa' (1955). Her screen presence immediately captured the hearts of people and she started getting offers for Tamil films as well. In 1958, Saroja Devi played the female lead in 'Nadodi Mannan' opposite Tamil cinema legend M G Ramachandran (MGR) and later went on to give more than 20 back to back Tamil hits. It was not just MGR, she was cast with several other reigning superstars of the time, including Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Dr Rajkumar and N T Rama Rao (NTR). She became the face of 'Kittur Chennamma' in 1961 with her powerful dialogues as the Queen of Kittur fighting the British against royalty collection from princely states. In those days, it is said, when children were asked who Kittur Rani Chennamma was, they would instantly reply 'Saroja Devi'. Hindi film, 'Paigham' (1959), starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles, was a blockbuster hit and Saroja Devi, despite her 'bit role', managed to impress the audience and directors with her crackling screen presence. She went on to act in films like 'Sasural' (1961) with Rajendra Kumar, Beti Bete (1964) with Sunil Dutt and 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kiya' (1963) with Shammi Kapoor. She also acted in a few scenes with Raj Kapoor in 'Nazrana', but was later replaced by Vyjayanthimala reportedly over strict instructions of her mother, Rudramma, that she will not wear sleeveless dresses and swimwear. Saroja Devi made her Telugu film debut in 1957 in 'Panduranga Mahatyam', in which she starred alongside NTR and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. After her marriage to Sri Harsha, an engineer, Saroja Devi's appearance in movies declined in the 1970s, though she continued to act in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil films. Her acting career took a massive hit in 1986, after her husband fell ill while she was shooting a Kannada movie — 'Ladies Hostel'. People known to her say she did not visit guests for nearly one year after the demise of her husband as she did not want to show her face without kumkuma (vermillion) on her forehead. She was the first vice-president of Kannada film artists' association when Dr Rajkumar was its president. Despite working with many superstars in south India and in Hindi movies, Saroja Devi kept a low profile. She was given several offers to join political parties, but she chose to stay away from politics. Then Karnataka Chief Minister Gundu Rao made her an offer to contest from Malleswaram Assembly constituency on a Congress ticket, but she declined. Recognising her contribution to Indian cinema, the central government acknowledged her with Padma Shri (1969), Padma Bhushan (1992) and Lifetime Achievement Award during India's 60th Independence Day celebrations in 2008. She also won many state awards, including the prestigious Kalaimamani Lifetime Achievement award by the Tamil Nadu government in 2009. Umesh Banakar, president of the Kannada Film Producers Association, recalled Saroja Devi as an extremely disciplined and no-nonsense superstar. 'Be it a superstar or a commoner, no one could meet her without an appointment. She always arrived on time for any event. Some superstars used to turn up late but she never stayed back,' he said. A veteran photographer recalled that Saroja Devi was always conscious about her public appearance. During an interview at her residence, she asked him not to take photos from a low angle as it would expose her double chin. In 2019, Saroja Devi appeared for the last time in the late Puneeth Raj Kumar-starrer 'Natasaarvabhowma', a horror film by actor-producer Rockline Venkatesh.
