Saroja Devi was not just an ideal match for MGR, the matinee idol who still commands a massive fan following in Tamil Nadu 38 years after his passing, but also his lucky mascot.
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Chennai: Legendary M G Ramachandran, known for his charismatic and heroic persona, found a perfect on-screen partner in B Saroja Devi, whose emotional depth, expressive eyes, and graceful acting style complemented him seamlessly.
Their chemistry made the MGR-Saroja Devi pairing a runaway success, starring together in 26 films -- second only to the MGR-Jayalalithaa duo, who appeared in 28 films.
Saroja Devi was not just an ideal match for MGR, the matinee idol who still commands a massive fan following in Tamil Nadu 38 years after his passing, but also his lucky mascot. Their collaboration began with Nadodi Mannan (1958), a film MGR acted in and directed.
At 21, Saroja Devi played a princess opposite MGR’s dual roles as a king and a commoner, their romantic and adventurous chemistry captivating audiences. Her humming of Maanai Thedi Machan Vara Poran (My beloved is coming in searching of his deer) became an all-time fan favourite, cementing their status as a sensation in Tamil cinema.
Their iconic pairing delivered unforgettable songs, blending MGR’s charm with Saroja Devi’s elegance. From Thottal Poo Malarum in Padagotti (1964) to Naan Paarthathile Aval Oruthiyai Thaan Nalla Azhagi Enben (“She is the only one I have seen, I would call her the true beauty”) in Anbe Vaa (1966), their performances in romantic and dramatic numbers left a lasting mark.
Other notable films include Thaai Sollai Thattadhe (1961), Paasam (1962), Kudumba Thalaivan (1962), Nadodi (1966), Petralthan Pillaiya (1966), En Kadamai (1964), Kalangarai Vilakkam (1965), and their final collaboration, Arasa Kattalai (1967).
Saroja Devi’s chemistry was equally celebrated with other Tamil cinema legends like Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan, but her pairing with MGR was uniquely iconic.
After 1967, following her marriage, Saroja Devi’s Tamil film roles diminished, and Jayalalithaa gradually became MGR’s primary co-star, starting with Aayirathil Oruvan (1965).
Nevertheless, the MGR-Saroja Devi legacy endures through their 26 films, which remain cherished classics in Tamil cinema.