First Break Was Almost Missed At age 13, she was spotted singing at a public event and offered a film role—but she declined it initially, only to debut four years later in Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955).

 Strict Personal Dress Code Her mother imposed a lifelong rule: no swimsuits or sleeveless blouses on screen. Saroja Devi followed this throughout her career, even when fashion trends shifted.

Father’s Devotion to Her Craft Her father, a police officer, would accompany her to dance rehearsals, tie her salangai (ankle bells), and massage her feet after long practice sessions.

Unmatched Lead Role Streak She holds the record for being the lead heroine in 161 consecutive films over 29 years—a feat unmatched in Indian cinema.

South India’s Fashion Icon Her sari styles, jewelry, and hairstyles from films like Enga Veettu Pillai and Anbe Vaa were widely copied by women across South India in the 1960s.

Almost Starred in Ponniyin Selvan She was cast in M.G. Ramachandran’s ambitious adaptation of Ponniyin Selvan in 1958, but the film was shelved mid-production for unknown reasons.

Adopted Children Named After Icons She adopted two children and named them after her idols—daughter Indira, after Indira Gandhi, and son Ramachandran, after M.G.R.