With the passing of B Saroja Devi, South Indian cinema has lost one of its most cherished silver screen icons. At the same time, her demise has also taken away a major part of the legacy of actor-turned-politician MG Ramachandran (MGR). Interestingly, MGR and Saroja Devi were one of Indian cinema’s most iconic on-screen pairs, often mentioned alongside other legendary duos like Raj Kapoor–Nargis Dutt, Dilip Kumar–Vyjayanthimala and Prem Nazir–Sheela.
Besides sharing the screen in films like Nadodi Mannan (1958), Paasam (1962), Deiva Thai (1964), En Kadamai (1964), Thaayin Madiyil (1964), Panakkara Kudumbam (1964), Enga Veettu Pillai (1965), Nadodi (1966), Anbe Vaa (1966), Naan Aanaiyittal (1966) and Arasa Kattalai (1967), among others, Saroja Devi also held immense respect for MGR. According to The Hindu, although the two actors had a falling-out in 1967 due to a misunderstanding and never worked together again, their respect for each other remained unchanged.
B Saroja Devi with MG Ramachandran aka MGR in Naan Aanaiyittal. (Express archive photo)
In fact, Saroja Devi once referred to MGR as her “anbu daivam“, underscoring the deep admiration she had for MGR. “When he introduced me in Nadodi Mannan, I was so naïve. He took care of me so well and used to give advice and tips while acting. After that, we have acted together in several films. Without MGR, there’s no Saroja Devi!” she shared during a 2016 conversation with Deccan Chronicle.
Recalling her visits to MGR’s famous house, Ramavaram Thottam, Saroja said: “I have gone to his house several times and had food there. The house used to be always cool with its red oxide flooring. There won’t be a separate dining table, and there will be a long bench instead. I consider it a temple and believe that MGR still lives there”.
B Saroja Devi with MG Ramachandran aka MGR in Anbe Vaa. (Express archive photo)
B Saroja Devi with MG Ramachandran aka MGR in Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum. (Express archive photo)
Saroja Devi opens up about her husband
During the same conversation, B Saroja Devi also revealed why she did not remarry after the sudden demise of her husband, Shri Harsha, an engineer by profession. They tied the knot in 1967 in an arranged marriage ceremony and were together until Harsha passed away in 1986. “After my husband’s demise at a young age, a lot of people told me to remarry. I said ‘no’ and I couldn’t think of anyone else in his place. I was confident that I could manage my life without a male companion,” she added.
Saroja Devi passed away at the age of 87 on Monday following an age-related illness. She breathed her last at her residence in Malleswaram, a neighbourhood in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
