Shiva Rajkumar Remembers B Saroja Devi as His Second Mother
Shiva Rajkumar has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran actress B Saroja Devi, who passed away at the age of 87 in Bengaluru. Known for her timeless roles in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Saroja Devi was a true icon whose influence spanned generations and languages. Her passing on Sunday due to age-related illness triggered a wave of grief across the South Indian film industry.
Many actors and public figures paid tribute, but it was Shiva Rajkumar’s emotional words that truly captured hearts. Speaking to the media, the Kannada superstar called her his “other mother,” recalling memories from his childhood when she treated him with the love and care of a parent.
“There are a lot of memories, because she has seen me from the time I was born. I think we can’t forget her in a lifetime,” he said. “Not just a superstar—she was a kind human being. I lost my other mother today.”
Shiva Rajkumar and Celebs Break Down Over B Saroja Devi’s Death
Rajinikanth, one of Indian cinema’s biggest names, took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn her death. In a bilingual tribute, he described her as a “great actress who won the hearts of millions” and wished for her soul to rest in peace. Kamal Haasan also wrote a moving note about the maternal love she always expressed toward him, even recalling how she would affectionately call him “my dear son” every time they met. He noted that the memories of working with her from as early as his second film “Paartaal Pasi Theerum” still flooded his heart.
Vijay Sethupathi, Ramya, Simran, Sudeep, and Darshan were among others who shared messages on social media, highlighting not just her cinematic contributions but also her warmth and humility off-screen.
என்னைப் பார்க்கும் இடமெல்லாம் – என் எந்த வயதிலும் – கன்னம் கிள்ளும் விரலோடு, ‘செல்ல மகனே’ என்னும் குரலோடு இன்னொரு தாயாக இருந்தவர் சரோஜா தேவி அம்மா. மொழி, பிரதேச எல்லை இல்லாது வாழ்ந்த கலைஞர். மறைந்துவிட்டார். என் இரண்டாம் படமான ‘பார்த்தால் பசி தீரும்’ படப்பிடிப்புத் தருணங்கள்…
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 14, 2025
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also paid tribute, calling her “the goddess of acting.” He acknowledged her monumental contribution to Indian cinema through over 200 films and unforgettable roles in Kannada classics like “Kittur Chennamma,” “Babruvahana,” and “Annathangi.” He noted that her death was a significant cultural loss.
Her Career That Defined an Era
B Saroja Devi’s career began in the 1950s with “Mahakavi Kalidasa” and she rose to fame with her lead role in “Nadodi Mannan” alongside M.G. Ramachandran. She went on to deliver hits like “Paigham” (with Dilip Kumar), “Kittur Chennamma,” and “Sasural,” gaining popularity across linguistic boundaries.
She remained an A-list actress even after her marriage in 1967, continuing to act in lead roles into the 1970s and ’80s. Few actresses have had a comparable cross-industry success in Indian cinema.
Also Read: Legendary Kannada Cinema Icon B. Saroja Devi Dies at 87: 7 Decades of Unmatched Grace and Glory
Decorated with some of India’s highest civilian awards including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Kalaimamani Saroja Devi’s achievements extended beyond just acting. She served as an inspiration for generations of female artists and was often celebrated for breaking language and regional barriers with ease.
Conclusion:
The passing of B Saroja Devi has united the film fraternity in collective mourning. Shiva Rajkumar’s words, calling her a “second mother,” reflect the deep personal connections she formed across generations. Her life and career not only left an indelible mark on the silver screen but also on the hearts of those who knew and admired her. As tributes continue to pour in, her legacy stands tall unmatched, unforgettable, and truly golden.
