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Born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Saroja Devi came from a humble family, with no significant background in the arts.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Her father Bhairappa was a police officer in Mysore, and her mother Rudramma was a homemaker. It was her father who encouraged her to pursue classical dance.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Fueled by her father’s passion, young Saroja Devi went on to perform widely across various studios.
Credit: Special Arrangement
During one of her performances, filmmaker BR Krishnamurthy noticed her talent and offered her a role in a film. Though only 13, she opted to refuse the offer.
Credit: Special Arrangement
However, B Saroja Devi started her showbiz journey with the iconic film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955). The film was directed by celebrated filmmaker KR Seetharama Sastry.
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The film was a big hit and the movie the won ‘Best Feature Film’ in Kannada at the 3rd National Film Awards.
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Following the success of Mahakavi Kalidasa, she was flooded with film offers. However, she had to wait for three years to taste the commercial success with School Master in 1958.
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Her role as Kittur Chennamma won praise, and the film took 'Best Kannada Feature' at the 9th National Awards. She then appeared in Amarashilpi Jakanachaari (1964), the first full-color Kannada film.
Credit: Special Arrangement
In the late '50s, B Saroja Devi gained significant opportunities in South Indian films. A celebrated actress, she shared blockbuster chemistry with MGR, Sivaji, Gemini Ganesan, Dr Rajkumar, NTR, ANR, along with a successful run in Bollywood films.
Credit: Special Arrangement
After marrying in 1967, B Saroja Devi planned to retire gradually. However, at the 1969 premiere of Aradhana, MGR and Dilip Kumar persuaded her to continue, believing she still had at least a decade of great work ahead.
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Motivated by them, Saroja Devi continued acting with great enthusiasm. Her work with Dr. Rajkumar during this time, including films like Mallammana Pavada (1969) and Babruvahana (1977), was notably successful.
Credit: NFAI
Saroja Devi chose to gradually step back from films. Despite numerous offers, her husband's passing in 1986 was a significant factor in her decision to take on fewer roles.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Though she acted in films like Rudra Naga (1983) and Anuraga Sangama (1995), it was clear she had entered a new phase in life. Still, she remained connected to cinema, chairing the National Film Awards in 1998 and 2005.
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She was last seen doing a cameo as herself in Puneeth Rajkumar’s Natasaarvabhowma (2019).
Credit: Special Arrangement