Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, fondly called ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’, passes away at 87

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 219 Kannada film Natasaarvabhowma.

B Saroja Devi was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992.

B Saroja Devi acted in over 200 films. (Express archive photo)

Celebrities, politicians and fans took to social media to mourn the demise of B Saroja Devi. Khushbu Sundar took to X and wrote, “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 meeting her. And whenever in chennai, she would call. Will miss her immensely. Rest in peace Amma. Om Shanti.”

Karantaka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on his X handle, “The news of the passing of veteran Kannada actress B. Saroja Devi is deeply saddening. Known as Abhinaya Saraswathi (Goddess of Acting), she acted in nearly 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. The very mention of Saroja Devi brings to mind her graceful performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Anna Thangi. Through films of refined taste, she entertained cinephiles for several decades. Her passing marks a tremendous loss for Indian cinema. I pray that her soul rests in peace. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving family and fans.”

A fan wrote, “An era ends with #SarojaDevi Amma’s passing. A timeless legend, forever in our hearts. Om Shanti”