Saroja Devi, born on January 7, 1938, in Bengaluru, was a legendary Indian actress whose career spanned over six decades and included more than 160 films across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.

She gained fame early in her career with her role in the Tamil film 'Nadodi Mannan' (1958), where she starred alongside MG Ramachandran, and became known for her performances in films like 'Chintamani,' 'School Master,' and 'Kittooru Rani Chennamma,' portraying patriotic queens.

Her elegant fashion sense, especially her sari styles and jewelry, made her a style icon in the 1960s, influencing South Indian women's fashion and earning her admiration across generations.

Despite personal hardships, including the loss of her husband Sri Harsha in 1986, she remained resilient, mentoring young artists, supporting film development, and actively participating in social work.

Born to Bhairappa, a police officer, and Rudramma, a homemaker, she came from a humble background and was encouraged by her father to pursue classical dance, which led to her early performances.

After her marriage in 1967, she initially planned to retire but was persuaded by industry icons like MG Ramachandran and Dilip Kumar to continue acting, believing she still had much to contribute.

Following her husband's death, she focused more on mentoring and supporting new filmmakers, while also serving as chairperson of the National Film Awards jury and vice-president of the Kannada Chalanchitra Sangha.

Saroja Devi was found unconscious at her residence in Malleswaram, Bengaluru, and was pronounced dead at the hospital, passing away on July 14, 2025.

Her death was widely mourned, with condolences from prominent figures like Rajinikanth and R. Ashoka, who called her a beloved icon and an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.

Following her death, there was a surge of interest on Google Trends, especially in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as fans searched for more details about her life and legacy.

Her last on-screen appearance was a cameo in the 2019 Kannada film 'Natasaarvabhowma,' which marked her enduring connection to the film industry.

Her career included notable roles in Telugu devotional films such as 'Panduranga Mahatyam' and 'Daksha Yagnam,' and Hindi films like 'Asha' and 'Gharana,' alongside stars like Rajendra Kumar and N.T. Rama Rao.