Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his X handle to mourn the demise of veteran actor and much-celebrated star Saroja Devi. He said he was saddened by her passing and noted that she will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture.

He wrote, "Her diverse performances left an indelible mark across generations. Her works, spanning different languages and covering diverse themes highlighted her versatile nature. My condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti."

The news of her passing was announced on Monday morning. The 87-year-old actor was battling age-related issues. Born on January 7, 1938 in Bengaluru, she debuted in 1955 with Mahakavi Kalidasa. Throughout her seven-decade-long career, she acted in over 200 films across languages — Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. She was honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for her immense contribution to Indian cinema.

Several actors including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, Nandamuri Balakrishna and several others paid tribute to the versatile actor. “The great actress Saroja Devi, who won the hearts of millions of fans, is no longer with us. May her soul rest in peace,” said Rajinikanth, while Nandamuri Balakrishna said, "The death of B Saroja Devi is a sad event for the South Indian film industry. The services she offered both on screen and in her real life will inspire people in film circles for generations to come."

Actor Sivakumar remembered his contemporary and said, "The only opportunity I got to act with her was in KS Gopalakrishnan's Panama Pasama (1968). But unfortunately those scenes were cut from the film." Kamal Haasan said she was like a mother to him and wrote, "From the sets of my second film, Paarthal Pasi Theerum, to countless unforgettable memories are coursing through my heart. My eyes are welling up."