Born in 1938 in Bengaluru, B. Saroja Devi got this super cool title, “Abhinaya Saraswathi” (Goddess of Acting), showing off her amazing talent on stage. She turned into a big deal in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi movies, starting off right where she grew up. But it was her big break in a Tamil movie that really changed her life, making her a superstar in South Indian movies.
Early Career
Saroja Devi stepped into films with her 1955 Kannada debut in Mahakavi Kalidasa, but real fame arrived in 1958 with Nadodi Mannan, a Tamil blockbuster directed by and featuring M.G. Ramachandran (MGR). From that point on, she left a lasting impression on Tamil cinema, becoming a major star almost instantly. Her awesome vibe with MGR on screen made for a killer duo that totally changed her career path. Nadodi Mannan, that rising star, went from being a name on the radar to a household name, just slaying it with every big-screen hit she’s in.
Mentioned below are five of her most famous movies, which really stand out with her spectacular acting and creative direction, although they were made when technology wasn’t super advanced.
1. Panduranga Mahatyam (1957)
Saroja Devi portrayed a courtesan in the 1957 Telugu movie Panduranga Mahatyam with such grace and individuality that the role will never be forgotten. Because of her incredible dancing abilities and the way she moved her face and body, the character was incredibly likeable and relatable. The movie stayed in the top 10 for an amazing 100 days at nine theatres and broke some new records in various other markets, which was very unusual at the time. Director K. Kameshwara Rao’s amazing storytelling and remarkably close-up shots of Saroja Devi enhanced her stunning appearance, drawing audiences into her story, resulting in a big impression on Telugu cinema.
2. Nadodi Mannan (1958)—The Game Changer
Nadodi Mannan came out in 1958, and this film was Saroja Devi’s first big break in Tamil movies. She totally nailed it and became a hit actress in the Tamil industry as well. Her chemistry with MGR was supercharged, setting the bar for romantic duos. Made with a whopping ₹18 lakh budget, this Tamil flick raked in a jaw-dropping ₹1.1 crore, making it a top earner of the decade. The movie was super smart to switch to Gevacolor for the second half; it was a genius move as the screen lit up with all those bright colours. Saroja Devi’s stunning looks and super colourful outfits made for a total visual feast that had everyone gasping and totally spellbound.
3. Kittur Chennamma (1961)
Saroja Devi, the fearless queen from Kittur, put on a show that was just mind-blowing. She totally nailed the queen vibe, with a powerful and majestic aura, and her words were like a major boost for national pride. Her acting was on point; she really got into character, and everyone could tell she was the person she was portraying. The movie was a total smash hit; it totally blew everyone’s minds and even won the top spot at the National Awards for Best Feature Film in Kannada. Director B.R. Panthulu’s grand vision was totally brought to life with the movie’s epic wide shots that made everything look massive and impressive. Saroja Devi was like a star on stage, her acting so strong that it made the old story feel alive and super motivating.
4. Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)
In this blockbuster flick, Saroja Devi played the hip and modern girlfriend. She was the total opposite of MGR’s two-faced characters; her vibrant energy really lit up the scene. She totally rocked it, looked super stylish without trying, and became an overnight fashion star. The movie was a massive hit; it stayed number one for over 25 weeks, and it even made it to the 25th anniversary of its release. Tapi Chanakya’s direction was super quick and fun, but it was the totally unique camera work that made everything feel like a dream. MGR’s two characters were in the same shot using a slick lighting trick, and Saroja Devi’s chats with both were so smooth and totally believable, it totally wowed the audience and made them feel like wizards.
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5. Anbe Vaa (1966)
This flick was a whole new ball game for rom-coms, totally broke the mold, and was super refreshing. Saroja Devi, the fabulous lady with all the style and class, was the talk of the town. The movie was a total hit; everyone was into the fresh storytelling and the awesome visuals. Anbe Vaa was filmed in vibrant Eastmancolor, capturing the stunning views of Shimla and Ooty, giving it a postcard-perfect look. Director A.C. Tirulokchandar made Saroja Devi look super cool and focused on her goals, and everyone was excited to see her light up in this super sweet, romantic movie.
Conclusion
Talking about her legacy, which will endure forever, she will always be in our memory. On July 14, 2025, the Indian film Industry lost a legend. She became a permanent legend after receiving the Padma Shri in 1969, along with the extremely renowned Padma Bhushan in 1992.
Written by Nidhi Singh