Legendary Indian actress B Saroja Devi, affectionately known as "Kannadathu Paingili" and "Abhinaya Saraswati," was laid to rest with full state honours in her native village of Dashavara, located in Channapatna taluk of Mandya district, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Her passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema, where she was celebrated as one of the most beloved and powerful screen icons for over seven decades.
The 87-year-old actress died on Monday morning, July 14, at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, due to age-related ailments. Her mortal remains were transported from her home to Dashavara on a decorated hearse van, where thousands of fans lined the streets to pay their final respects. The solemn procession made several stops at key junctions, allowing the public to honor the star. A three-gun salute was accorded to her before the commencement of the last rites, which were conducted in accordance with Vokkaliga customs.
Saroja Devi was laid to rest beside the samadhi of her mother, Rudramma. Her son, Gautham, mentioned that the family was unable to bury her next to her husband Harsha’s samadhi due to space constraints. The funeral drew a large gathering of mourners, including political leaders, film industry veterans, and devoted fans, underscoring the immense impact she had on both the cinematic world and the public.
Among the dignitaries present were Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, actress and former minister Umashree, actress Jayamala, producer Rockline Venkatesh, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President M Narasimhalu, and producer Basant Kumar Patil. These prominent figures paid their respects at her Malleswaram residence before accompanying the procession to Dashavara.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described her demise as a "major loss to the entire film industry," highlighting her extraordinary career and contributions. “She brought life into the characters she portrayed,” he said, emphasizing her work alongside legendary actors such as M G Ramachandran, N T Rama Rao, Shivaji Ganesan, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Dr Rajkumar. Siddaramaiah also mentioned plans to discuss naming the road in Malleswaram where she lived after her, with the Bangalore Municipal Corporation (BBMP).
B Saroja Devi’s career began in 1955 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa, when she was just 17 years old. Over the years, she starred in more than 200 films across multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Her iconic roles in Kannada films such as Bhagyavantharu and Babruvahana, where she acted alongside Dr Rajkumar, cemented her status as the first female superstar of Kannada cinema.
Her versatility and powerful screen presence earned her the affectionate titles “Kannadathu Paingili” in Tamil and “Abhinaya Saraswati” in Kannada, reflecting her grace and command over her craft. She was known for portraying strong female characters in period dramas and mainstream films like Sasural, Kittur Rani Chennamma, and Enga Veettu Pillai, roles that showcased her depth and dignity.
Throughout her illustrious career, Saroja Devi received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Government of India, as well as the Dr Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award from the Karnataka government. These accolades recognized not only her artistic excellence but also her lasting influence on Indian cinema.
Her death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with many industry stalwarts, expressed their grief at losing a cinematic legend whose work transcended regional boundaries and touched millions of hearts.
As news of her passing spread, fans and fellow artists alike reflected on her remarkable legacy. The affection and respect she commanded were evident in the throngs that gathered to bid her farewell, a testament to her enduring impact on Indian culture and film history.
B Saroja Devi’s life and career embodied the golden age of Indian cinema, bridging multiple languages and regions with her talent and charisma. Her journey from a young debutante in the 1950s to a revered icon demonstrates the power of dedication and artistry in shaping cultural narratives.
Her final journey to Dashavara, marked by state honours and heartfelt tributes, was a fitting farewell for a woman who gave so much to the art of storytelling. As the curtains close on her life, her films and memories continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.
