B. Saroja Devi, born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and enduring actresses. Often referred to as “Abinaya Saraswathi” (Saraswathi of acting) in Kannada and “Kannadathu Paingili” (Kannada’s Parrot) in Tamil, she carved a legendary career across four major film industries—Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.

Her cinematic journey began at the age of 17 with the Kannada film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955), which marked her debut and early success. She quickly rose to prominence with the Tamil blockbuster Nadodi Mannan (1958), opposite M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), which catapulted her into stardom. Her pairing with MGR became iconic, resulting in 26 hit films together. She also shared the screen with other legends like Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, and N.T. Rama Rao, contributing to her pan-Indian appeal.

Saroja Devi’s versatility was evident in her ability to portray a wide range of characters—from regal queens to modern women—while maintaining a graceful screen presence. Her performances in films like Palum Pazhamum, Enga Veetu Pillai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, and Amarashilpi Jakanachari showcased her depth and emotional range. She was also a skilled Bharatanatyam dancer, which added elegance to her roles and made her a fashion icon of her time.

Over her career, she acted in more than 200 films, becoming the only Indian actress to play the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films between 1955 and 1984. Even after her marriage to Sri Harsha in 1967, she continued to be a sought-after actress, especially in Kannada and Telugu cinema.

Her contributions were recognized with prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri in 1969 and the Padma Bhushan in 1992. She also received a lifetime achievement award from the Government of India and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, reflecting her influence beyond the silver screen.

B. Saroja Devi’s legacy is not just in her prolific filmography but in her role as a trailblazer for women in Indian cinema. Her elegance, discipline, and dedication continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.