Indian cinema is mourning the loss of legendary actor Saroja Devi, with tributes and condolence messages coming from everywhere. In an exclusive conversation with CE, the multifaceted Jaggesh says, “My first interaction with Saroja Devi ma’am was during the release of Pattanakke Banda Putta, when she was the Censor Board chief. To my surprise, she personally searched for my number and called to say she had become a big fan of mine and appreciated my acting. The moment she learnt I stayed in Malleswaram, she visited my house and brought mangoes grown in her hometown. She enjoyed listening to the songs I sang."

Apparently, she once faced an issue with a servant who had stolen from her. "She reached out to me, and I made sure to catch the culprit and even arranged a new helper for her. She would often invite me for masala dosa — I’d go at 10 AM and she would let me leave only by 4 PM! I’ve celebrated a few festivals with her. She would share stories of acting alongside MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and Mutturaj, and how her mother played a huge role in supporting her through hectic schedules, managing even three call sheets a day."

Jaggesh continues, "I once visited her to take blessings when I became an MP, and she appreciated my growth. She had a small idol of Shiva in her corridor and wanted lotus plants, which I helped arrange. She always said, 'As artists, we must save, live with dignity, and never talk about it on TV.'”