Veteran actor B Saroja Devi, fondly known as Abhinaya Saraswati, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 87. She had been suffering from age-related health issues. Her final rites will be held at Kodigehalli next to her husband’s memorial.

A true icon across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, she acted in over 200 films and was honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. From Amarashilpi Jakanachari to Kalyana Parisu and Panduranga Mahatyam, she was the face of grace and versatility for decades.

Actor-director Upendra recalls her influence, "My film A (1998) wasn’t cleared by the censor board and was sent to the revising committee, where she was the chairperson. While the industry criticised the film, Saroja Devi appreciated the film and got it cleared. I always tell her she’s the reason I became a hero—like a godmother."

Upendra says,"Saroja Devi was a complete artist. Her daughter Indu and brother-in-law Samarth are close friends. They helped me find a home in Sadashivanagar, and we often met her at her residence in Malleswaram. Her legacy will forever remain unmatched."