The Indian film industry has lost one of its most iconic and celebrated actresses, B Saroja Devi, who passed away on 14 July in Bangalore at the age of 87. She had been unwell for some time and breathed her last surrounded by family and well-wishers. Her death marks the end of a legendary era in Indian cinema, especially in the South, where she was revered as a trailblazing female superstar.

Saroja Devi’s passing has left a deep void in the industry, with heartfelt tributes pouring in. Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar wrote emotionally on X, “An era of golden cinema has come to an end. Saroja Amma was great. No other female actress in the South has received as much name and fame as she did. My trip to Bangalore was incomplete without meeting her. I will miss her a lot.”

Born in 1937, Saroja Devi made her film debut at the age of 17 with the Kannada film "Mahakavi Kalidas" in 1955. Just three years later, her role in the Tamil blockbuster "Nadodi Mannan" opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) earned her nationwide recognition. Her screen presence, natural charm, and graceful performances soon made her a favorite among audiences and filmmakers alike.

Over the course of her illustrious career, she acted in over 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. She worked with some of Indian cinema's biggest legends, including Shammi Kapoor, Shivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, and Dr. Rajkumar. In Bollywood too, she made a lasting impression through her expressive performances.

In recognition of her contributions, Saroja Devi was honored with the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She also received the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government and an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University. Beyond her acting career, she played vital roles in the industry’s growth, serving as Vice President of the Kannada Chalachitra Sangh and as chairperson of the jury for the 53rd National Film Awards.

Remarkably, she holds the record for being the only Indian actress to play the lead heroine in over 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984. She made her Telugu debut with "Panduranga Mahatmya" in 1957 and continued to leave her mark across languages and regions. Her final film appearance was in the 2019 Kannada film "Natasarvabhoomi."

Saroja Devi’s life and career will forever remain etched in the hearts of cinema lovers. Her legacy as a powerhouse performer and a pioneering figure in Indian cinema will continue to inspire generations to come.