Legendary actress Saroja Devi passes away at 87
The south Indian film industry came to a standstill as reports of her demise started coming in. Actors across generations started paying condolences on social media and other mediums.
Saroja Devi
CHENNAI: Legendary south Indian actor Saroja Devi breathed her last in Bengaluru on Monday. She was 87. Actors Sivakumar, Prabhu Ganesan and Sathyaraj, pay heartfelt tribute to their favourite 'Kannadathu Painkili' and recall their fond memories of her.
The south Indian film industry came to a standstill as reports of her demise started coming in. Actors across generations started paying condolences on social media and other mediums. Having appeared in over 200 films, she had her biggest hits in Tamil such as Bhaaga Pirivinai, Paalum Pazhamum, Aalayamani and Puthiya Paarvai– all with Sivaji Ganesan. "She had her biggest hits with appa. Not only that. Her camaraderie also extended with our family. Though she stayed in star hotels whenever she stayed in Chennai, Saroja amma never missed having breakfast at Annai Illam. Moreover, she remembered each one of us in the family by name and she called us by names– Prabhu, Ramu, Shanthi and that was how she addressed us. Saroja amma was also the first lady superstar of the cinema industry. It is a huge loss for the Tamil film industry as well as for Sivaji Ganesan's family. Saroja ma ensured that she was a part of all our important family events. Even if she was busy, she dialled us without fail. I pray for her soul to rest in peace," Prabhu Ganesan told DT Next.
Actor Sivakumar recalls his only film with Saroja Devi and said, "We have acted in only one film in all these years, which is Panama Pasama in 1968, directed by KS Gopalakrishnan. Due to footage issues, my scenes with Saroja amma from the film were cut. I remember watching her Kalyana Parisu in Casino Theatre. We have heard stories of actors from yesteryears running into debt or losing their properties in their final days. But Saroja Devi was quite different. She lived like a queen and left us like a queen."
Sathyaraj begins by quoting her song, "Naan paarthadhadhile aval oruthiyai dhaan nalla azhagi enben. This line was specifically written to describe her beauty. Fans of Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan, Makkal Thilagam MGR, and Kaadhal Mannan Gemini Ganesan were all fans of Saroja Devi. I am one of her biggest fans too. She ruled the roost not only in Tamil cinema but across south and even Hindi. I keep watching her songs every day, even today. This is a huge loss for Indian cinema industry."
