Veteran actor B. Saroja Devi, who ruled the silver screen for decades, passed away in Bengaluru on July 14. She was 87. According to Deccan Herald, she had been suffering from age-related complications. Born in 1938 in Bangalore (Bengaluru), she began her acting career at age 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), playing Vidyadhare. Over the next seven decades, she appeared in more than 200 films and became the 'first female superstar' of Kannada cinema. Some even came to know her as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi', meaning Goddess of acting. She was also fondly known as 'Amma' or mother by some.
Saroja Devi legacy
Saroja Devi's Kannada films like Kittur Chennamma (1961), Babruvahana (1977), Mallammana Pavada (1969), and Kasturi Nivasa (1971) were some of her most acclaimed works. She showcased her versatility as an actor, working in films of several languages. Her popularity grew with Tamil blockbuster hits like Kalyana Parisu (1959) and Anbe Vaa (1966), and the Hindi film Sasural (1961). Her last screen appearance was in the 2019 film Natasaarvabhowma.
Saroja Devi was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992, which are some of the highest civilian awards in India. In 2008, the Government of India honoured her with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 60th Independence Day celebrations. She also received the Kalaimamani award, the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award, and the NTR National Award. Even after stepping back from lead roles, she continued to make occasional appearances in films and remained active in film-related organisations.
Bengaluru Street To Be Renamed After Saroja Devi: CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attended Saroja Devi's funeral in Bengaluru. Speaking to Asian News International, he said, "I had met her several times in the past. Wherever we met, she always spoke with great affection and warmth. She was an actress with a wonderful personality. May her soul rest in peace. She acted in numerous films."
The CM also revealed that a street in Bengaluru will be named after her, to honour her legacy. "There is a proposal to name 11th Cross in Malleswaram after B. Saroja Devi. Discussions will be held regarding that. Instructions have been given to conduct her final rites with full state honours," he told ANI.
Many dignitaries were seen paying their last respects to Saroja Devi. Social media users also poured in condolences and recounted fond memories of her iconic performances.
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