Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, star of 'Puthiya Paravai', 'Babruvahana' and 'Paigham', dies at 87

Veteran actress B Saroja Devi, who has acted in about 200 films over seven decades, has died at the age of 87.

Known for her work in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films, Devi's demise has left the industry in shock.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid tribute to the late actress in his post, "The news of the passing of senior Kannada actress B. Saroja Devi has caused deep sorrow. She had acted in approximately 200 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, earning fame as the goddess of acting. The moment one mentions Saroja Devi, her captivating performances in films like Kittur Chennamma, Babruvahana, and Annathangi come to mind," he wrote on X.

The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, too remembered Devi's contribution to Indian cinema. "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mrs. B. Sarojadevi, a veteran actress of the Kannada film industry, famously known as the 'Goddess of Acting'," he wrote in Kannada on X.

"Having acted as the lead actress in over 160 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, her departure is an irreparable loss not only to Kannada but to the entire Indian film industry. I pray that the Almighty grants eternal peace to her soul and gives strength to her family members and fans to bear the pain of this loss. Om Shanti."

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed grief over the passing away of the legendary actor.

Devi got her big break with her Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). She made her Telugu film debut with Pandurang Mahathyam (1957) and acted in several successful films until the late 1970s. The Tamil film Nadodi Mannan (1958) established her as one of the top actresses in Tamil cinema. Blockbusters she starred in during this period include Anbe Vaa, Padagotti, Enga Veetu Pillai and Puthiya Paravai.

After her marriage in 1967, she remained the second most sought-after actress in Tamil films until 1974, while she continued to be a top actress in Telugu and Kannada cinema from 1958 to 1980. She also acted in Hindi films, starting with Paigham (1959) until the mid-1960s.

She acted in 161 consecutive films as the female lead between 1955 and 1984.

She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1992. She also received an honorary doctorate from Bangalore University and the Kalaimamani Award of Tamil Nadu. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.