"Her contributions remain unparalleled."
On July 14, 2025, the veteran actress B Saroja Devi passed away. She was 87 years old.
Devi suffered from an age-related illness and was found unconscious at her home in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, India.
The star was rushed to the hospital, where her death was confirmed.
She was born on January 7, 1938, to a police officer and a homemaker.
Her father, Bhairappa, asked her to learn dancing and encouraged her to pursue an acting career.
Devi’s mother, Rudramma, strictly told her not to wear swimsuits, sleeveless attire, or any other form of revealing clothing. The actress followed this code for her entire career.
B Saroja Devi’s first role was in the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). She became one of the few stars to work in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema in the 1950s.
The legendary star, MG Ramachandran later cast her in Nadodi Mannan (1958). This film helped her achieve a massive fan following in Tamil Nadu.
Her first Hindi film was SS Vasan’s Paigham (1959), in which she starred along with Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar.
Within Bollywood, she was noted for her role in Sasural (1961), where she appeared opposite Rajendra Kumar.
One of the songs from the film, ‘Teri Pyaari Pyaari Soorat Ko‘, became one of Mohammad Rafi’s most popular numbers.
In the 1960s, Devi became a fashionista for South Indian women, influencing many with her sarees, blouses, jewellery, and hairstyle.
Following her demise, tributes poured in for B Saroja Devi on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “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.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 14, 2025
Another user wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actress of B Saroja Devi, a pioneering icon of Indian cinema whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
“Her timeless performances across languages brought grace, depth, and dignity to every role.”
“A true icon of South Indian cinema, her contributions remain unparalleled.
“My heartfelt condolences to her family, admirers, and the entire film fraternity.
“May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actress Dr. B. Saroja Devi, a pioneering icon of Indian cinema whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Her timeless performances across languages brought grace, depth, and dignity to every role. A true icon of South… pic.twitter.com/y0cyOp5bIG— Dr Ishari K Ganesh (@IshariKGanesh) July 14, 2025
In 1967, Devi married Sri Harsha, who died in 1986. She had two children.
In 1992, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan – India’s third-highest civilian honour.
DESIblitz pays tribute to B Saroja Devi, who was undoubtedly an artist of amazing calibre and who leaves behind a glorious legacy.
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