Award-winning actor in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada cinema Saroja Devi passed away at 87, leaving behind a rich canvas of performances as the main female lead in over 160 films. Beginning in 1955, her career spanned decades, extending to 2009, when she played a supporting role. Acting alongside stars like M.G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan, Saroja Devi’s impact on cinema was deep and wide.

Following her death, condolences poured in from actors across the film fraternity, praising her legacy and wishing her soul peace. Here is a timeline of her rise to fame.

Explore some of Saroja Devi’s hit films through the slider below across Tamil, Hindi and Kannada cinema.