B. Saroja Devi laid to rest with full state honours

Legendary film actor B Saroja Devi was laid to rest in her native village of Dashavara in Channapatna Taluk in Ramanagara district with full state honours on Tuesday (July 15, 2025). The 87-year-old passed away due to age-related ailments at her home in Malleswaram in Bengaluru on Monday (July 14, 2025).

Her funeral was held in accordance with Vokkaliga traditions, with burial rites performed. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, along with prominent personalities from the Karnataka film industry, including Jayamala, Sundar Raju, Rockline Venkatesh, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President (KFCC) M Narasimhalu, and film producer Basant Kumar Patil, paid their final respects.

Speaking to reporters after paying homage at her residence in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described her demise as “a major loss to the entire film industry”. “B Saroja Devi entered the film industry at a very young age and served it for nearly 70 years. That’s a tremendous achievement. I have met her so many times. She would talk to everyone with affection,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that he enjoyed her performances in Kannada films such as Mallammana Pavaada (1969), Kittur Chennamma (1961), Nyayave Devaru (1971) and Bhagyavantharu (1977). “She formed a great on-screen chemistry with Dr Rajkumar,” Siddaramaiah added.

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On Monday, the eyes of Saroja Devi were donated to Narayana Nethralaya as per her wish, hospital officials told reporters. An official from Narayana Nethralaya said that Saroja Devi registered for eye donation five years ago. “Only corneas have been taken, both her corneas are in good condition,” he added.