The Indian film industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars — B. Saroja Devi, the iconic actress who graced the silver screen for decades and left behind a legacy few can match. As news of her passing spread, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Shiva Rajkumar, three of South India’s biggest stars, expressed their deep sorrow and admiration for the legendary actress, highlighting her immense contribution to cinema.
Her death marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.
🎭 B. Saroja Devi: A Trailblazer in Indian Cinema
Born in 1938 in Bangalore, B. Saroja Devi began her career at the young age of 17 and quickly rose to become one of the most sought-after actresses in South India. She starred in over 190 films across Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages, sharing screen space with cinematic legends such as M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, and Dr. Rajkumar.
She was admired for:
- Her poise and grace
- Versatile acting in both romantic and dramatic roles
- Contributing to the golden era of South Indian cinema
Awards and Honours:
- Padma Shri (1969)
- Padma Bhushan (1992)
- Several State Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards
Her timeless beauty and screen presence made her a favorite of millions — and a true cultural icon.
🕯️ The News of Her Passing
The beloved actress passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Her demise left the entire South Indian film industry in shock and mourning. Many film celebrities, fans, and political leaders came forward to pay their respects, but it was the emotional tributes from Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Shiva Rajkumar that truly captured the depth of her influence.
🙏 Rajinikanth: “She Was Like a Mother to Me”
Superstar Rajinikanth, who has long respected the contributions of veterans in the industry, referred to Saroja Devi as his “other mother.”
“Her presence on screen was divine. Off-screen, she treated everyone with kindness and dignity. She was like a mother figure to me and many others in the industry.”
Rajinikanth, known for his humble demeanor, often cites his respect for seniors and mentors. His heartfelt tribute reflected not only his personal loss but also his gratitude for what she represented to Indian cinema — a symbol of grace and discipline.
💬 Kamal Haasan: “A National Treasure”
Actor, filmmaker, and politician Kamal Haasan also issued a poignant statement:
“We have lost a national treasure. B. Saroja Devi was not just a great actress — she was a pillar of the Indian film industry. Her roles shaped the emotional tone of an entire era.”
Kamal Haasan has often been vocal about preserving film history and honoring veterans. His tribute was a reminder of her vast influence across languages and generations.
🕊️ Shiva Rajkumar: A Personal Loss
For Shiva Rajkumar, the loss was deeply personal. His father, Dr. Rajkumar, and Saroja Devi were one of the most beloved on-screen pairs in Kannada cinema.
“She was family. She acted with Appaji (Rajkumar sir) in so many films. Our home always considered her one of our own. Her loss feels like losing a close relative.”
Shiva Rajkumar’s emotional words touched many hearts, especially fans of Kannada cinema who grew up watching the golden pairing of Saroja Devi and Rajkumar in classics like Sri Krishnadevaraya and Bhakta Kanakadasa.
🌟 A Timeless Legacy
Though she had retired from the spotlight in her later years, Saroja Devi remained active in cultural forums, film award panels, and public service activities. She mentored many young artists and spoke about the importance of discipline, ethics, and hard work in the film industry.
Her last public appearance was just a few months before her passing, where she was honored by the Karnataka government for her lifelong contribution to the arts.
What made her unique:
- Mastery over expressions
- Natural acting, without theatrics
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Strong values and humility
📽️ Remembering Her Iconic Films
Some of her most memorable films include:
- Kalyana Parisu (Tamil)
- Sri Krishnadevaraya (Kannada)
- Anuradha (Hindi)
- Pelli Kanuka (Telugu)
- Sasural (Hindi)
She was one of the few actresses to be successful across all four South Indian languages and Hindi — a rare feat even today.
💐 Industry and Fan Tributes Pour In
The impact of B. Saroja Devi’s passing extended beyond just celebrities. Fans gathered outside her residence to catch a last glimpse. Film bodies across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana held memorial events.
Tributes also came in from:
- Directors like K. Balachander and Mani Ratnam (posthumously/archived quotes)
- Female stars including Jayaprada and Khushboo
- Politicians and cultural ministers, calling her a “national treasure”
💭 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Star
B. Saroja Devi wasn’t just a star — she was an institution. Her presence defined the golden age of Indian cinema, and her conduct both on and off the screen became a benchmark for generations.
In the words of Kamal Haasan:
“Legends never die. They live on in their work, and in the hearts of the people they inspired.”
With heartfelt tributes from Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Shiva Rajkumar, it is evident that B. Saroja Devi’s life wasn’t just a career — it was a shining example of dedication, talent, and grace.