🔴LIVE: Saroja Devi’s Death… Live Broadcast from Her Residence! | Actress Saroja Devi Passed Away

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One of the last surviving queens of Indian classical cinema, B. Saroja Devi, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 87 due to age-related health complications, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades and over 200 films in five languages.

The iconic actress, revered as one of the pillars of South Indian cinema, collapsed at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, and was immediately rushed to Manipal Hospital. Despite prompt medical attention, doctors confirmed her death upon arrival. Her body has since been brought back to her home, where it is being kept for public homage until Tuesday morning.

A Nation in Mourning

As news of her passing spread, a wave of grief swept across the Indian film industry and among fans who had admired her since the golden era of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema.

Leading film personalities, political figures, and thousands of grieving fans gathered outside her Malleswaram residence to pay their final respects. The line extended along the main road, with people waiting patiently for hours under the sun just to catch one last glimpse of the woman they lovingly referred to as “the Empress of Indian Cinema.”

Among the earliest to arrive were Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, political activist Vatal Nagaraj, and former Indian Minister S.M. Krishna, accompanied by his wife. Their presence underscored not just Saroja Devi’s cinematic stature, but her deep connections across political and social spheres.

A crowd favorite, a tearful fan named Sambangi, chairman of the MGR Welfare Association, said on live television, “She was more than just an actress to us. She worked in 26 films with our leader, Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). She always spoke of him not just as a co-star but as her divine protector. Her loyalty, her grace—she belonged to a different generation, a purer time.”

Final Rites and Tributes

In accordance with her family’s wishes and community traditions, Saroja Devi’s body will lie in state until 11 a.m. Tuesday, allowing the public and industry members to offer their respects. Her final rites will be performed later in the day at her ancestral village in Channapatna Taluk, Ramanagara District, following customs of the Vokkaliga community.

Police and local authorities have implemented traffic diversions and crowd-control measures near her residence, expecting large gatherings as the city prepares to bid farewell to one of its brightest stars.

A Career Carved in History

Born in 1938 in Bangalore, B. Saroja Devi made her film debut in the early 1950s and quickly rose to fame with a magnetic screen presence, fluid classical dance, and expressive performances. She starred opposite titans like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, N.T. Rama Rao, Rajkumar, and Shammi Kapoor, leaving an indelible mark in both Southern and Hindi cinema.

She was one of the few actresses to successfully transition between multiple regional industries at a time when such crossovers were rare. Her roles in films like Anbe Vaa (1966), Kalyana Parisu (1959), Sri Krishnadevaraya (1970), and Sasural (1961) earned her critical acclaim and massive commercial success.

In total, she acted in over 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, a feat few in Indian cinema can match.

Saroja Devi was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Karnataka Ratna. She was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of India and served as a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

A Private Life Rooted in Grace

Despite her towering fame, Saroja Devi lived a relatively quiet life in recent decades. After the death of her husband, Sri Harsha, she withdrew from active film roles and public appearances but remained deeply respected as a cultural elder and icon.

Neighbors describe her as soft-spoken and elegant, often seen tending to her garden or reading on her veranda. “She carried herself like royalty, but with the humility of a saint,” said one longtime Malleswaram resident.

An Unshakable Legacy

Tributes have poured in from every corner of the Indian film world. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth wrote on X, “She was our screen goddess. Her presence lit up every frame. We’ve lost a gem.”

Actress Kajal Aggarwal shared, “I was honored to meet her once. Her elegance was timeless, and her legacy will inspire generations.”

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement:

“Saroja Devi was a national treasure. Her contributions to India’s cultural fabric will be remembered for generations.”

Final Thoughts

As the curtains fall on the extraordinary life of B. Saroja Devi, India is reminded of a cinematic era defined by elegance, artistry, and dignity. Her films remain etched in the hearts of millions, a reflection of a time when storytelling was simple yet profound.

Tomorrow, when her mortal remains are laid to rest, a nation will not just be saying goodbye to a beloved actress—but to a piece of its soul.