Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 14: Renowned Kannada actress B Saroja Devi passed away on Monday, July 14, at the age of 87.

She breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, following age-related ailments.

Born on January 7, 1938, Saroja Devi acted in over 160 films across five languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Revered as 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' (Goddess of Acting), her illustrious career spanned over six decades.

She made her debut in the film industry with the movie Mahakavi Kalidasa and went on to play iconic roles in several Kannada classics such as Kittur Chennamma, Anna Thamma, Bhakta Kanakadasa, Bale Bangaara, Naagakannike, Bettada Hoovu, Mallammana Pavada and Bhagyavantharu among many others.

In Tamil cinema, she featured in notable films like Nadodi Mannan, Karpoora Karasi, Panduranga Mahatyam, and Thirumanam.

In recognition of her immense contribution to Indian cinema, she was honoured with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She was also conferred an honorary doctorate by Bangalore University and received the Kalaimamani award from the Tamil Nadu government.