NEWS – Veteran actress B. Saroja Devi passed away at 87, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over five decades and nearly 200 films.

HIGHLIGHTS

• She was a leading lady in 161 films, across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, becoming a pan-India star.
• Debuted at age 14 in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), which won a national award; acted in Kannada classics like Amarashilpi Jakanachari, Kittur Rani Chennamma, and Katha Sangama.
• In Tamil cinema, she was a “lucky mascot”, acting in 26 hit films with M.G. Ramachandran and 22 with Sivaji Ganesan.
• Her Tamil hits included Paalum Pazhamum, Puthiya Paravai, and Alaya Mani.
• Worked in Telugu blockbusters with N.T. Rama Rao and in Hindi films with legends like Dilip Kumar (Paigham) and Shammi Kapoor (Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya).
• Known for her versatility, expressive acting, and iconic fashion, influencing generations of women.
• Acted with legends like Rajkumar, Uttam Kumar, and Puneeth Rajkumar.
• Recipient of two Padma awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th National Film Awards.
• Served in public roles, including chairperson of Karnataka State Film Industry Development Corporation.