“I lost my other mother.” – Shiva Rajkumar, mourning the loss of B. Saroja Devi
On July 14, 2025, Indian cinema lost one of its most celebrated and beloved icons — B. Saroja Devi. Known to generations as Abhinaya Saraswathi, she passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that touched audiences across languages, borders, and decades. Her passing has been met with deep sorrow, with fans, public figures, and film personalities mourning not just the death of Saroja Devi, but the end of a golden era.
பல கோடி ரசிகர்களின் மனம் கவர்ந்த மாபெரும் நடிகை சரோஜாதேவி இப்போது நம்முடன் இல்லை.
அவருடைய ஆத்மா சாந்தியடையட்டும். 🙏🏻#SarojaDevi
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) July 14, 2025
என்னைப் பார்க்கும் இடமெல்லாம் – என் எந்த வயதிலும் – கன்னம் கிள்ளும் விரலோடு, ‘செல்ல மகனே’ என்னும் குரலோடு இன்னொரு தாயாக இருந்தவர் சரோஜா தேவி அம்மா. மொழி, பிரதேச எல்லை இல்லாது வாழ்ந்த கலைஞர். மறைந்துவிட்டார். என் இரண்டாம் படமான ‘பார்த்தால் பசி தீரும்’ படப்பிடிப்புத் தருணங்கள்…
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 14, 2025
Saroja Devi passed away in Bengaluru, and her final rites will be held with full state honors as announced by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In the words of actor Shiva Rajkumar, “I feel as though I have lost my other mother.”
A Life in Film
Actress Saroja Devi began her journey in cinema at the young age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa in 1955. What followed was a film career spanning over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. She became the face of elegance and versatility in Indian cinema, winning hearts through both emotionally intense performances and light-hearted romantic roles.
Her on-screen chemistry with legends like Sivaji Ganesan and MGR made her a central figure in some of the most iconic films of the 1950s and 60s. For Tamil cinema lovers, she wasn’t just a leading lady — she was the symbol of a refined and expressive era.
10 Timeless Tamil Songs Featuring B. Saroja Devi
As we look back on her legacy, we remember B. Saroja Devi through the songs that helped define her on-screen presence — melodies that remain etched in memory, long after the films have faded from theatres.
- “Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam” – Palum Pazhamum (1961)
This romantic duet with Sivaji Ganesan is remembered for its lyrical beauty and the expressive brilliance of Sarojadevi.
- “Unnai Ondru Ketpen” – Puthiya Paravai (1964)
A ballroom setting, a red saree, and Saroja Devi singing of longing — this song became a defining moment in Tamil romantic cinema.
- “Thottal Poo Malarum” – Padagotti (1964)
Set in a fishing village, this melody featuring MGR and B. Saroja Devi became a household favorite.
- “Chittu Kuruvi” – Puthiya Paravai (1964)
A gentle tune that showcased her expressions and grace, capturing the affection of audiences, especially women of her generation.
- “Love Birds” – Anbe Vaa (1966)
One of the more light-hearted songs where Saroja Devi appeared in modern attire, paired once again with MGR, reminding us of her range and charm.
- “Naan Paarththathile” – Anbe Vaa (1966)
This track, recently revived on social media, contains poetic admiration for feminine beauty — beautifully embodied by Saroja Devi.
- “Kodi Asaindhathum” – Parthal Pasi Theerum (1962)
Alongside Sivaji Ganesan, Sarojadevi walked misty terrains as this hauntingly beautiful song asked nature’s deepest questions.
- “Aalaya Mainiyin Osayai” – Palum Pazhamum (1961)
A lullaby that featured her in subtle close-ups, highlighting her calm screen presence and timeless beauty.
- “Thanimayile Inimai” – Aadi Perukku (1962)
A song that speaks to solitude and reflection, this duet with Gemini Ganesan showed the emotional range B. Saroja Devi could bring to even a quiet moment.
- “Andru Vanthathum Idhe Nila” – Periya Idathu Penn (1963)
The lesser-played sad version reveals a tender moment between MGR and Saroja Devi, steeped in heartbreak and quiet emotion.
Her Final Bow
The Saroja Devi passed away date — July 14, 2025 — will be remembered not just for her physical passing, but for what she took with her: an era of Indian cinema marked by expression, dignity, and craft. From B. Sarojadevi’s early roles in Kannada cinema to her widespread acclaim in Tamil, she never once wavered in her dedication to the screen.
Her performances with MGR are now part of film history. Her songs still play on television, on streaming platforms, and in the minds of those who grew up watching her.
In the years to come, when someone asks about the icons of Indian cinema, the name B. Saroja Devi will not be forgotten. Hers is not just a story of fame, but of grace, artistry, and resilience. As we mourn her, we also celebrate everything she gave us and everything she’ll continue to inspire.
Rest in peace, Saroja Devi. Your light will never fade.
